OUR NEWSLETTER!
Welcome to issue 4 of your UNISON newsletter. To receive a personal copy in future send your name and workplace address to our Office or to receive e-mail copies e-mail Eleanor Armstrong using the Trusts e-mail.
News updates can be found at http://healthunion.blogspot.com

NHS PAY – HAVE YOUR SAY!

UNISON is giving every member working in the NHS the opportunity to vote on whether to accept this improved pay offer. Ballot papers will be sent out on the 20th August with the ballot closing on the 13th September 2007.

The last date to obtain a ballot paper will be the 10th September by phoning UNISON Direct 0845 355 0845 or via our web site www.unison.org.uk.

It’s really important that all members use their vote to register their views – if you haven’t received a Ballot paper by 30 August contact UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845. For more information on the offer contact your local rep or your branch office.

George Barron of UNISON’s Northumbria Healthcare Branch, who represents Ancillary workers working in health, is Vice-Chair of UNISON’s Health Care Service group.

George says;

“UNISON is not saying this is a great deal; it remains below inflation. But it does provide some extra money for the lower paid, for training budgets and to assist those who need professional registration. There is also agreement to enter into further talks on a possible multi-year deal, although we will consult on this separately.

It is the best that can be achieved through negotiation. If members wish to reject this final offer, then they should be prepared to take industrial action, should that be decided in a subsequent ballot.”

The Improved NHS Pay Offer at a glance

 Pay points 1-7 (Bands 1 & 2) = £400 with 1.5% payable from 1 April 2007and the remainder from 1 November 2007

 Pay Points 8 – 18 (Bands 3 & 4) = 2.5% + £38 with 1.5% from 1 April 2007 and the remainder from 1 November 2007

 All above Pay Point 18 = 2.5% with 1.5% payable from 1 April 2007 and with the balance from 1 November 2007

 In addition, for staff who are not required to have clinical professional registration, funding to the equivalent of £25 per member of staff to support training projects.

 In addition for payment of £38 a year to AfC clinical staff in bands
5-8(A) inclusive who to support the payment of fees for their clinical registration.

 An increase in the value of national recruitment and retention payments in line with the general increases in basic pay.

 An increase in the allowances paid under the interim unsocial hours’ regime to craft and ancillary staff undertaking rotary or alternating shifts in line with the general staged pay award.

 A 1.5% uplift in High Cost Area supplement from 1st April 2007 with the remainder of the uplift being paid from 1st November 2007.

 Further negotiations on a future multi-year deal

NHS PAY – HAVE YOUR SAY!

Not a member yet? Call 0845 355 0845 to join and have your say!

UNISON MEMBERS MEETINGS
UNISON holds regular branch meetings for members. All members are welcome to attend

10/09/2007 18:00 Hexham Room Hexham Hosp

08/10/2007 17.30 Room 06&07, Education Centre WGH

12/11/2007 17.30 Rm 06&07, Education Centre NTGH

10/12/2007 17.30 Room 06&07, Education Centre WGH

UNISON ‘surgery’ 10/9/07 Hexham Room 13.00

CONTACT US
Northumbria Healthcare UNISON
UNISON Office, Wansbeck General Hospital
Tel: 01670 529825
UNISONdirect 0845 355 0845
Or contact your local rep