Resolution hope for long-running NHS pharmacy workers strike

NHS Tayside’s pharmacy workers hope a resolution to their long-running strike may be found this week.

Unite, representing the workers, met with the Scottish Government’s terms and conditions committee (Stac) on Friday to discuss the ongoing industrial action following a stalemate between the union and the health board.

Stac has now put together a draft terms of reference which outlines the process to be followed in resolving the dispute, which started on August 19, over workers’ pay grades.

It is expected that this week a final version of the document will be presented to Unite and NHS Tayside, who both have to confirm they’re in agreement with the terms outlined in order for the resolution process to begin.

Workers will remain on the picket line until a deal is agreed.

Susan Robertson, Unite’s industrial officer, said: “We’re as happy as we can be with the result, under the circumstances.

“The process for resolution is being finalised – NHS Tayside and Unite have to agree to it, which will hopefully happen by early to middle of next week.”

Currently, NHS Tayside’s pharmacy support workers are on the health board’s secondlowest pay grade, earning between £17,949 and £20,015 a year.

A health board spokeswoman claimed Unite had failed to take up an earlier offer to meet with the committee.

She said: “We believe the involvement of Stac will support a resolution to this issue.

“Therefore when Stac again contacted both parties earlier this month offering their input to support a resolution, NHS Tayside agreed.”