To: All Health Branches
Health Central Panel
HSC Strike Committee
HQ Officials
31 March 2023
Dear Comrade,
HSC INDUSTRIAL ACTION UPDATE
Following a period of intensive industrial action the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has agreed, for the first time, to meet with the health service trade unions. In response to that decision by the Secretary of State, NIPSA, Unison and RCM have paused strike action that was scheduled to take place on Monday 3 April 2023. Action short of strike action has not been suspended and will continue. Further strike action on pay is under consideration.
The meeting with the Secretary of State is not a solution to the problems faced by health workers but it is an important step in ensuring that our campaign for an inflation busting pay settlement is on the political and financial agenda in Northern Ireland.
NIPSA Health Service Panel, which represents all NIPSA health service branches, will continue to meet and develop plans for further strike action, action short of strike action and direct action protests. Any action will be designed to be effective and have clear goals. Where appropriate, NIPSA will seek to coordinate action with other trade unions.
NIPSA remains committed to fighting for
· An inflation busting pay rise for all health service staff
· Safe staffing levels in all areas of the health services
· Appropriate mileage rates
NIPSA Health Panel commends members who have been engaged in the industrial action which has taken us to this important point.
Patient safety remains very important for health staff who will take industrial action. Discussions are ongoing to ensure the employers take the necessary steps to protect patients during the dispute.
Yours sincerely
PATRICK MULHOLLAND
Deputy General Secretary