Discussion between Health and Social Care Trade Unions Northern Ireland and the Department of Health have hit a stalemate.
Earlier this month, Health and Social Care (HSC) trade unions in the region met with health minister Mike Nesbitt (14 November) seeking full implementation of Pay Review Body recommendations.
However, discussions have now hit a “stalemate”, with HSC trade unions reaffirming their position and insisting any pay offer must ensure pay parity be backdated to 1 April 2024.
'We currently remain at stalemate'
Cora Regan, SoR national officer for Northern Ireland, said: “Unfortunately we currently remain at stalemate. I will update members with further concrete information when I have it.”
A spokesperson for the HSC Trade Unions NI said: “This serious matter remains unresolved. We remain committed to representing our members’ interests and will consult with them in due course regarding any further developments.”
Both parties now await meetings expected to take place later this week for further discussion.
Strike action and pay awards
Earlier this year, SoR members in Northern Ireland voted to accept the 2023-2024 pay award, which includes a consolidated 5 per cent uplift and a lump sum payment of £1,505. This came following strike action in January, protesting pay disparity across Northern Ireland.
Even with this pay offer, members will be paid considerably less than radiographers in the Republic of Ireland, where the starting salary for a Band 5 radiographer will still be more than £5,000 higher than in Northern Ireland.
The full list of HSC NI trade unions currently in dispute with the Department of Health include:
- UNISON
- RCN
- NIPSA
- UNITE
- CSP
- RCM
- SOR
(Image: Strike action in Northern Ireland in January, by William Phillips)