UNISON has received many messages of support for the week of NHS action on fair pay this week.
The European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) health and socialservices committee said it recognised the level of anger that has lead to massive levels of support for the action. “This is not only in UNISON, Unite and GMB trade unions but also in the Royal College of Midwives where members voted to back strike action for the first time in their 133-year history.”
Andrew Anderson and Joe Kirwin, co-chairs of the UNISON national young members forum said: “On behalf of the national young members forum, we offer our full support. Many young members will be taking part in the action, which we know is essential to not just winning a fair deal on pay, but also to giving members confidence in their ability to act together for the common good.
“We are proud of the NHS and its workers who deserve the justice of a decent pay settlement.”
UNISON’s higher education service group executive said: “We support the strike because NHS staff pay along with other public sector workers has eroded over the years resulting in financial hardship for many.
“We value the work of the NHS and the staff that run it. NHS staff do an amazing job that we all benefit from. The NHS could not run without you and your colleagues and it relies on your dedication, flexibility and goodwill.”
Higher education service group chair Denise Wardadded: “We know that for many of you the decision to take industrial action is a difficult one, but you are not alone – together we are stronger.”
Ruth Davies, who chairs the union’s water, environment and transport service group, said: “Members across the water, environment and transport service group fully support all those members in health taking part in their industrial action from 13 October.
“All UNISON members deserve a fair pay rise. The NHS Independent Pay Review Body recommended a 1% increase for all yet now – as a result of a government decision – 60% of nurses and midwives are facing no pay increase this year.
“None of our members take industrial action lightly, and of course workers in the NHS are fully committed to the services that they provide to the public. However, workers in the NHS have bills to pay the same as everyone else and they deserve a pay rise.”
Energy service group excutive chair Jenny Middleton said: “On behalf of the energy service group and, I am sure, all our members who work in the energy sector, I send our best wishes for success on your day of industrial action.
“Members in energy rely on members in the NHS to provide healthcare services just as members in the NHS rely on members in energy to ensure the lights can be switched on and homes kept warm.
“We are linked together in your struggle and we believe members in the NHS deserve a decent pay rise and resources to do their job.
The community service group executive said: “The miserly pay offer is insulting to workers who dedicate their lives to caring for others, but unfortunately mirrors the attitude of many employers in the not-for-profit sector.
“Responsibility for this lies with the government’s politically motivated austerity programme and our common aspiration for fair pay is also a building block of a real economic recovery.”
Meanwhile health worker representatives from more than 20 countries across Europe meeting in Brussels sent out a clear message of support and solidarity to the health unions in England taking industrial action.
And, finally, the Swedish Municiapl Workers’ Union – Kommunal – sent a message of supprt, saying that the British government should fully appreciate the importance of NHS workers as “you provide vital services for the benefit of all citizens. We fully support your fight for fair pay.”
