UNISON deliver 5000 'fair pay now' postcards to Scotland's health minister

20th December 2017

Health union UNISON will deliver 5000 christmas cards to constituency MSPs demanding that the Scottish government pay up on NHS pay.

Tom Waterson, chair of UNISON health committee said, "across Scotland NHS workers have been enthusiastic in their support for our campaign. UNISON members are clear that this year's pay award needs to reflect inflation and start to pull back some of the losses they have suffered over the last decade of austerity.

As we approach the festive season, and the worst of the winter, politicians will be lining up to pay respects to the effort and commitment of NHS staff. Respect is welcome, but it won't pay the bills or heat homes or put food on the table. Health staff need fair pay and the government needs to pay up now"

The union has called on the Scottish government to negotiate on pay.

Matt McLaughlin, head of health, said: "Political commitments to scrap the pay cap are welcome. What UNISON members in the NHS need is a firm commitment from this government to negotiate with UNISON and secure a fair pay deal."

UNISON activists from across Scotland will deliver 5000 postcards to their consituency MSPs. They will also deliver one large 3 foot christmas card to the Scottish Secretary of State for Health, Shona Robinson MSP, signed by UNISON branch secretaries from across Scotland.

UNISON's pay claim is: RPI or 3.9% pay rise across Scotland; £800 to start to recoup the losses of a decade; living wage for health care students; Improve NHS pay structure; realign pay bands for better career progression.