“Remember to vote, and remember to vote yes to industrial action” – that was the message from UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis (above) as health members in England began voting in the industrial action ballot on pay today.
“Voting for strike action is never an easy decision – even more so for NHS workers who spend their lives caring for people,” said Mr Prentis.
“But the government’s refusal to give the vast majority any pay increase this year is a slap in the face.
“So we are asking our members to vote yes to turn their anger into action.”
The ballot is in response to the government’s decision to ignore the independent NHS Pay Review Body recommendation to award a 1% pay rise to all NHS staff.
Instead 60% of NHS staff in England, including 70% of nurses, have been denied a pay award this year.
NHS Pay 2014: Facts, ballot questions and resources
UNISON pay calculator – how much has the pay freeze cost you?
