Crunch meeting in Betsi nursing rota dispute

Trade unions representing healthcare workers at Betsi Cadwaladr are to meet the health board tomorrow (Friday) to discuss the ongoing dispute over the imposition of an unpopular nursing rota which would leave some nurses financially worse off.

UNISON, along with RCN and UNITE, this week wrote to Betsi chief executive Gary Doherty complaining that the health board has failed to properly consult staff and demanding the changes not be introduced on the proposed date of January next year. They also asked for the scheduled trade union meeting with the board on Friday to be devoted solely to resolving this issue.

Mr Doherty’s written reply received yesterday (Wednesday) agreed to pause the introduction of the proposed changes and the trade unions hope to make further progress at the meeting on Friday.

Betsi Cadwaladr originally said it wished to standardise shift patterns and breaks and proposed to remove an hour’s pay for a nurse working a 12.5 hour shift. The trade unions have reported the plan has infuriated healthcare workers.

Tanya Palmer, UNISON regional secretary said,

“You shouldn’t try to take money from nurses working as hard as they can to help patients in often very trying conditions whilst still delivering good, kind, professional care.

“The health board has been guilty of not listening to staff and they need to continue to work with the trade unions to find out how we can improve the working environment for all healthcare workers.”

Contact

Alastair Gittins, UNISON Press Officer on 07816 538397