Tonight:
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Health workers stage work to rule
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Health workers are to hold a day of action across the UK in protest at a "derisory" three-year pay deal worth around 8%.
Unite said the work to rule will include a ban on non-essential paperwork, email exchanges, attendance at meetings and telephone calls, affecting hospitals and health centres.
The union is calling on the Government to re-open negotiations over the pay of NHS workers, who face years of below-inflation wage rises.
Giving health workers a decent rise would boost consumer spending and would cost a fraction of the banking bail-out, officials argued.
Derek Simpson, joint leader of Unite, said: "I am pressing for an urgent meeting with Gordon Brown where I will raise the whole sorry saga of the Government's negative attitude to public sector pay, with particular reference to our NHS members."
National officer David Fleming said emergency cover will be maintained during the protest, adding: "Our members are struggling to keep up with the cost of living. This is the third year that our members have been forced to survive on below inflation pay rises.
"If the Government can find billions of pounds to rescue irresponsible banks, then it can find money to give hard working NHS staff a fair rise. Any extra cash in pay packets will have the added benefit of pumping demand into local economies."
Unite's health sector members have voted to take industrial action over pay, including strikes.
Mr Fleming said: "We have a mandate for this action and ministers should hear that our members are very angry at the continued below-inflation pay awards, in effect, pay cuts."
Reader views (3)
We need to recognise the contribution nurses and other health care professionals make to the nation. These people are paid very poorly and in some cases can barely live on their wage - they subsist. Andrew, I would happily give up my above inflation pay rise to go to an increase in nurses and other hcp wages.
- Gazza, england, 03/12/2008 15:46
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The government have to get the message that the low paid worker makes a significant contribution to the day to day running of public services in the UK, and that we will only tolerate so much wage restraint. If EVERY low-paid worker in the NHS suddenly went on strike, it would paralyse the service completely. We're not asking for MP expense accounts or Utility chief-style wage increases - just a living wage, especially here in London. Is that SO unreasonable?
- Joannie, London, England, 03/12/2008 14:18
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Oh boo-hoo! I don't even get a cost of living raise this year because of the recession. You should be grateful to have your jobs.
- Andrew, St Albans, 03/12/2008 12:56
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