The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
NHS pharmacy workers on ‘indefinite’ walkout
Picket lines outside hospitals as workers fight for improved wages
NHS pharmaceutical support workers across Tayside walked out yesterday morning in a dispute over pay banding.
Picket lines outside Ninewells and Perth Royal Infirmary are fighting for improved wages for the 41 support workers who have spent the last decade campaigning to be raised a band as additions have been made to their job description.
Campaigners from Unite the union have said the industrial action could last “indefinitely”.
The action is expected to have an impact on the delivery of prescriptions and ward medicines across the region.
Currently in the band-two pay grade, workers claim panels have ranked the job as falling within band three – and nearer to band four.
A review by an independent panel from NHS Ayrshire, scheduled to take place in Kilmarnock on August 9, was cancelled, further infuriating staff.
Picketing PRI, where 100% of union members balloted voted in favour of industrial action, around a dozen pharmacy support workers were joined by Unite regional co-ordinating officer Dougie Maguire.
He said it had been “the familiar pattern of filtering duties from higherpaid jobs to the point that our role is now unrecognisable compared to 15 years ago”.
He added: “Despite this, NHS Tayside refuses to acknowledge these additional duties and maintains that we should be graded as we were all those years ago. Consistency panels have raised questions about us being left on band two. Last year, we were told we had no right of appeal, which we pursued and it turned out we had.”
Unite has also criticised Health Secretary Jeane Freeman who, they claim, has shunned their latest letter, sent on August 12, calling for a resolution.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “This is a dispute within NHS Tayside over a job evaluation grading.
“Following a ballot for industrial action, Unite advised the board that it
“This is a dispute within NHS Tayside over a job evaluation grading. GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON
is the intention of pharmacy support workers to take action on 19 August.
“We were made aware of Unite members’ support for industrial action on 11 June and subsequently of this planned industrial action on 11 July. Established procedures exist for the resolution of disputes of this nature and we are committed to supporting the parties to jointly resolve these issues.
“The Cabinet secretary has not directly intervened in these matters but, when local processes couldn’t be completed, the board sought her view and she has asked her officials to provide whatever support and assistance they can in order to bring about a resolution.”
George Doherty, director of workforce for NHS Tayside, said: “NHS Tayside has always sought to avoid any industrial action and remains committed to working with Unite in accordance with the nationally-agreed framework. NHS Tayside hopes that STAC (Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee) will provide a means of resolution.”