Health workers take one-day strike action

THE UNISON representative in Omagh has issued a warning to the Department of Health that today’s planned one-day strike involving healthcare workers attached to the union is “only the start of it”.

Local NHS workers who belong to UNISON and several other unions will take to the picket lines outside Omagh Hospital for four hours, from 8am this morning until noon, as part of ongoing industrial action aimed at securing better pay and conditions.

Andy McKane, joint-chair of UNISON in Fermanagh and Omagh, said, “This is only a one-day strike at the moment, but unless we can reach a settlement which is satisfactory to our members, I can safely say that this will not be the last strike we undertake. Down the line there will be more unless this issue can be resolved, but I can’t see it happening before New Year that’s for sure.”

“I have heard nothing positive to be honest. We’re getting no joy from the Department of Health in terms of meaningful negotiations. We are looking for a pay rise which is above the inflation rate, currently standing at 11 per-cent, to protect our workers. To be honest, I’m not optimistic on that.”

UNISON, alongside another union, Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (Nipsa), began ‘indefinite action short of strike’ last Monday. UNISON’s Head of Bargaining Anne Speed told Good Morning Ulster last week that the members are seeking an ‘inflation-busting pay-rise’.

Mr McKane continued, “The reason for the four-hour strike rather than the full day is to ensure that we do not impact too much on our member’s pay. Things are difficult enough at the moment in the cost-of-living crisis.”

The action will take place at both Omagh Hospital and the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), outside Enniskillen, between 8am and midday, where a full range of UNISON members, including nurses, support staff, transport workers and those involved with other services will take to the picket line in protest.

The Herald contacted the Western Trust asking what contingency plans were in place for the upcoming industrial action.

A spokesperson for the Trust said, “Strike action will take place on Monday, December 12 for NIPSA, UNISON and GMB trade union members. We expect that there will be significant disruption to our hospital and community services across the Western Trust area on these days.

“As ever, our main priority is to ensure and maintain patient safety. Given the reduction in staffing levels expected across most disciplines on the strike action dates, our efforts will be focused on providing emergency services for patients in our hospitals and those at highest risk within our communities.

“The Trust is currently developing its contingency plans and we will make direct contact with our patients and service users impacted by the strike action and also continue to work with trade unions.”