Statement on RCM members pay in Northern Ireland
By Karen Murray, Director of RCM Northern Ireland on 23 September 2019 Pay and Agenda For Change Northern Ireland RCM Northern Ireland
In May of this year the RCM published a joint union statement committing to a series of meetings with the Department of Health and employers in Northern Ireland. The aim of the meetings was to try and reach a positive outcome for members on pay. Modelling of options based on Agenda for Change refresh agreements in England, Scotland and Wales was completed but despite this work, at a meeting on 19 September the joint trade unions were unable to agree a business case put forward by the Department and employers. You can see the full statement from the Northern Ireland trade unions below.
The RCM will now follow our internal processes to plan a way forward. In December of last year we surveyed members in Northern Ireland to establish willingness to take industrial action up to and including strike action over pay. It has been some time since we conducted that survey so we want to talk to you again about the different options. Please ensure your details are up to date and you are receiving all communication from us. Its really important we hear from as many of you as possible.
|
Health Trade Unions Forum statement The Health Trade Union Side today met with Department of Health and employers as part of the ongoing Agenda for Change refresh process already in place in England, Wales and Scotland. The Department & Employers have prepared a business case for the Permanent Secretary, and whilst we contributed our comments to the business case we were not in a position to formally agree with their submission as it included options at less than we could accept. The Department today advised that they will be including our position in the upcoming October monetary round which may release further funds that will allow them to respond to the Trade Unions. Trade Union Side formally gave notice that given there will be no change in their position before the 30th September, we must record a failure to agree and will from that date initiate the industrial action process. Each sovereign Trade Union will now consult with their appropriate lay structures about how that will proceed. We made clear to employers and the Department that we remain committed to negotiate an acceptable agreement should circumstances change. We will also continue to engage in discussions around all other aspects of the Agenda for Change refresh. We will continue to update all Trade Unions as things develop. Sent on behalf of the bargaining group of the Health Trade Unions Forum |