Health workers in Wales will not be taking industrial action over pay after failing to reach the required turnout in the latest ballot by UNISON Cymru/Wales.
Hugh McDyer, UNISON Cymru/Wales head of health, said: “While it is very regretful the necessary threshold for industrial action was not reached in Wales, it is encouraging to see a strong vote of more than 90% of those who voted supporting a strike.
“Prior to the Trade Union Act 2016 when laws restricting the likelihood of industrial action were introduced, this would have been a fantastic result.
“Several factors beyond the control of UNISON played a detrimental role in determining the outcome including draconian anti-trade union laws requiring a 50% turnout and the ongoing dispute with postal workers across the UK which greatly impacted the number of ballots returned.
“UNISON will now be re-balloting members working within the ambulance service in Wales as well as supporting days of action in the coming weeks.”
Across Wales thousands of members returned a YES vote for strike action.
That is a huge groundswell of feeling that will only build as the crisis in the cost of living and NHS staffing deepens and the government threatens continued pay caps.
It is clear that NHS staff in Wales will not put up with the pitiful 72p pay award by this government while the cost of living goes through the roof.
