Unite and other trade unions met with the Health Minister and officials this lunch time.  No specific offer for NHS Wales staff was made, but the principle around a non- consolidated one off payment was discussed.

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said;

“The Welsh government’s offer falls far short of what our members need and what is fair pay after a decade and more of pay cuts.  Unless they can move further, the strikes by ambulance workers on 19 and 23 January will go ahead.  Our members in Wales have the unflinching support of their union in their fight for a fair wage.”

Richard Munn, Unite Wales Regional Officer said;

“Unite appreciates that Welsh Government are trying to find a way to resolve the current industrial disputes within our Welsh NHS, however our members have been crystal clear that they want an increase to their salaries and not just a one off payment. We will consult with our members on Welsh Government’s proposals once we have something concrete to consult on but we do not believe that it will meet their aspirations. 

Without a decent consolidated pay increase, staff shortages will continue to wreak havoc within our Welsh NHS. We are therefore calling on both the UK Government and Welsh Government to fully appreciate the long term positive consequences of a salary increase and properly fund such a pay rise”.   

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest trade union with over 1.4 million members working across all sectors of the economy. The General Secretary is Sharon Graham.