This is an update to members regarding strike action on 21st February 2023. We wish remind everyone this is a full day strike.
Following an emergency Branch Committee meeting this morning, the Branch, in line with other trade unions, has decided to change its approach on Tuesday 21st February in order to facilitate a rally at the City Hall which is due to take place at 10.30am. This rally will be with a number of health trade unions as well as teaching unions who will also be on strike that day.
There will be no pickets lines at Health and Wellbeing Centres, instead we are asking members to congregate at one of the following locations –
- Royal Victoria Hospital (Grosvenor Road) 9am-9.30am.
- Belfast City Hospital (Lisburn Road) 9am-9.30am
- Mater Hospital (Crumlin Road) 9am-9.30am.
From these three locations there will be a march to the City Hall where a rally will be held by members of NIPSA, GMB, Unison, Unite etc. as well as teaching trade unions.
It is vitally important that NIPSA as one of the main trade unions on strike, has a presence in the rally and we would strongly encourage those who can to join at one of the filter locations. Flags will be handed out to Nipsa members at each location.
There will be speeches from leading TU officials, Representatives and music etc. The rally will last for approximately for 1 hour.
We would ask members unable to attend the march to please show your solidarity with fellow workers and trade unions and attend the rally at the City Hall. The rally coincides with a number of rally’s across Northern Ireland. You can get more information on Nipsa’s main website.
We know and continue to be aware that this is the third strike day we are asking members to take. Whilst there does appear to be some movement in the Governments approach to Health Service pay according to some newspapers, there has still been no formal discussions with trade unions to settle this dispute from a Government that continue to appease the extreme ring wing of the Conservative Party.
Members have also been in touch with us about strike pay. We appreciate and totally understand the salary sacrifice NIPSA is asking its members to take at a time of cost of living crisis, one of the issues that underpins this industrial action. We are also aware other trade unions are providing financial assistance for striking workers. The Branch has formally raised this issue with NIPSA’s Health Panel, who in turn will ask NIPSA’s governing body, the General Council who make decisions on such issues and to consider this issue. Separate to this, we will inform members how to apply to NIPSA’s Welfare Fund scheme for members needing general financial support.
Our focus at this moment in time is to conclude extensive derogation meetings and prepare for Tuesdays action. Further updates will be provided over the coming days across our media platforms.