UNISON reaction to Welsh government meeting on NHS pay

UNISON Cymru Wales regional secretary, Dominic MacAskill

Responding to last week’s meeting with the Health Minister Eluned Morgan on NHS pay, Dominic MacAskill, regional secretary of UNISON Cymru/Wales, said:

“We welcome the engagement of the Welsh government which is prepared to talk about 2022/23 pay, in complete contrast with the Westminster Conservative government.

“Today is a start in the process. No specific offer was made to healthcare workers in the meeting, but Welsh government has identified an additional financial package which covers the whole of the NHS in Wales. Now the trade unions will enter negotiations over whether this constitutes a credible offer that addresses the cost-of-living crisis.

“We recognise the Welsh government is limited in what it can do and we need to see a meaningful end to this crisis from the UK government in Westminster which meets the approval of the many thousands of health workers we represent who are now at breaking point.”

Notes for editors

  • UNISON is currently re-balloting members within the Welsh Ambulance Service. Today’s meeting will not affect this ballot.

Contact

Alastair Gittins, UNISON Cymru Wales, 07876 53 83 97