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Partnership means fair treatment for all

By Chris Bartter, Communications Officer

As we go to press the result of the consultations of the Non-Pay Review Body, Health Service staff on the offer for a three year pay settlement will be being assessed.

The offer of 3% for 1999, 3.25% for 2000 and the rate of inflation + 0.5% for 2001, has been circulated to staff with no recommendation from the national negotiators. But from activity in Scotland it seems that the staff are far from happy with the proposed offer.

UNISON's Scottish Council on Saturday 12 February was addressed by Susan Deacon, Scotland's Minister for Health. Robert Rae (Secretary of South Glasgow Hospitals' Branch) took the opportunity to raise the issues with her, and featured on BBC News that night explaining what was wrong with the offer.

"The offer is insulting to already low paid staff of the NHS." He said "In previous years there has always been equity between Pay Review Body Staff (nurses, doctors and other professionals) and the rest of us.

"This year that equity has been trampled on. Pay Review Body staff have been awarded 4.7% and more whereas low paid staff like ancillary, admin and clerical and technical staff are expected to rub along on around 3%. We think that partnership means that all staff should be treated fairly."

Susan Deacon expressed the hope that the dispute would soon be resolved, but pointed out that the discussions were taking place at a UK level.

Borders petition

Elsewhere in Scotland, other staff are taking action to bring the issue home to the public. In Glasgow, a demonstration outside the city's Dental Hospital attracted media attention to the cause and in the Borders, a petition launched for staff and public has gathered 8,000 signatures and the local MP and MSP have been approached for support.

Karen Di Cara the Borders General Hospital Branch Secretary said "We have tapped into a considerable strand of goodwill from public and from other health service staff, including consultants. Our local politicians have been very supportive of the case of our low paid staff, and we have featured in the main local papers and on Border TV."

The consultation period for these staff in Scotland ended on the 22 Feb. A further ballot would be necessary for industrial action. The Scottish Health Committee has set up a Working Party to co-ordinate activity. Branches are being asked to appoint someone to this group. Contact Jim Devine, at West Campbell Street.