UNISON is now gearing up for industrial action following a meeting of leading health activists this week.

A national consultation exercise revealed widespread disappointment over the nurses and health professionals 2.5% pay offer, and real anger over the
staging of the offer by Government.

Karen Jennings, UNISON Head of Health said:

"We are left with little choice but to start gearing up for action. The mood of our members in health is one of deep disappointment, frustration and anger. The 2.5% award by the Pay Review Body is effectively a pay cut. It falls very short of the rising cost of living, put at 4.6% by the Retail Price Index. But the staging of the award by the Government is the final straw. Health
workers have been through a tough year with deficits and redundancies taking their toll. They are outraged that the Government has interfered with the
independence of the Pay Review Body and have elected not to honour the recommendation in full."

UNISON has complained directly to Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt over the staging and over the way the pay announcement was made this year, breaking
previously agreed protocols. The union is angry at the treatment of porters, cleaners, cooks, administrative staff and others not covered by the Pay
Review Body, whose award is being dragged along in the wake of the nurses' offer.

Karen Jennings said:

"Between now and the next meeting of the Pay Negotiating Council on the 27 April, we will be cleansing our membership records, ready for a ballot. We will ask members whether they are prepared to take strike action, or action short of strike action in support of their claim for better pay."

At this time, it is vital for you as a member to ensure that the branch has your correct contact details. If you think UNISON may have an incorrect/out-of-date address, please niotify the branch, either by sending an email to Richard@pound.eclipse.co.uk , or via the link on the member services page of this site.