Nurses, ambulance workers and other UK NHS employees today announced the temporary suspension of strikes in the sector to evaluate an offer made by the Government.
The proposal includes a additional pay during the 2022-2023 financial year of between 1,655 pounds (1,880 euros) and 3,789 pounds (4,319 euros), depending on the job scale, and a salary increase of 5% in 2023-2024, according to the Unison union.
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Unions representing workers in the sector will consult their members over the next few weeks before ruling on an offer that for the secretary general of the Royal College of Nursing, Pat Cullen, “is not a panacea, but it is real and tangible progress.”
After months of strikes among toilets, which have coincided with protests by railway workers, postmen, customs agents and other professionals, the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, was “very pleased” today with the step that has been taken towards a solution of the labor dispute.
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It is important that the affiliates make the final decision
“It is the right thing to reward hardworking NHS workers, who have shown courage and dedication during the pandemic and continue to make phenomenal progress in reducing waiting lists,” Sunak said.
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In a joint statement, the Government and the NHS Employees Council, which includes union representatives, stated that “both sides believe that (the offer) is a fair and reasonable agreement which recognizes the dedication of public health workers, while taking into account the economic pressures facing the UK”.
However, Sharon Graham, general secretary of the Unite union, one of the largest in the country, assured that “The government’s offer is not one that Unite can recommend to its members.”
Even so, “it is important that the affiliates make the final decision” and the management will support the result of the vote.
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The Royal College of Nursing, the union that represents nurses, indicated for its part that its members “will have a say” over the offer and the organization “will respect everyone’s point of view.”
The Minister of Health, Steve Barclay, declared for his part that the Government has “listened to the concerns with the unions” and has maintained “meaningful conversations” with them in which “both parties have participated constructively”.
EFE
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