A total of 22 NHS Trusts across Yorkshire & North Derbyshire face GMB members’ strike ballot after rejecting pay cut
GMB is to ballot all members in 22 NHS Trusts across Yorkshire & North Derbyshire after workers overwhelming rejected a ‘miserable’ pay cut.
The industrial action ballot will open on November 10 and close December 15. Any strikes would take place in the new year.
More than 9 out of 10 GMB members in the NHS have rejected the Government’s pay offer of 3%.
GMB has been campaigning for a restorative increase of 15% or £2 per hour (whichever is highest) to replace what has been lost from NHS pay packets over the last decade.
GMB was the only union to reject the last NHS pay deal in 2018.
Ben Kirkham, Lead NHS Officer for GMB in Yorkshire & North Derbyshire, said:
“GMB members are feeling undervalued, disenfranchised and angry with the wall of silence they’ve received from the Government.
“94% of our members rejected the ‘inadequate and miserable’ offer of 3%.
“The hypocrisy of Government as they joined millions of people in applauding NHS workers, whilst unashamedly trying to cut their pay - NHS and ambulance workers should not be treated like this.
“Like many other workers, NHS staff showed their outstanding commitment to serving the public during the challenges of the last 18 months.
“Facing further cuts after a hike in National Insurance, increased pension costs and the huge increase in energy bills, GMB members have been left with no other choice and will be balloted on whether they wish to take formal industrial action.
“How can the NHS ever recover - and staff shortages be addressed - when inflation is running high and Government Ministers are knowingly cutting the pay of experienced nurses by over £200 in real terms.
“NHS workers know their worth and so do the public – it’s a shame that the Government doesn’t.
“The Government must cough-up and make key workers feel supported and valued after all they have done and continue to do for us.”
