Your Industrial Action ballot will be posted to your HOME ADDRESS from the 3 February and will be open for 5 weeks closing on 10 March.
Q. Why should I vote YES to strike action?
A. The Trust has so far failed to meet any of your demands. Voting yes to strike action will allow UNISON to negotiate for what you deserve. This includes:
- Fair Back Pay
- Regrading to the top of Band 3
- No detriment due to enhancement rates being higher at Band 2 than Band 3
- A comprehensive list of job roles in scope
Voting YES to strike action will send the strongest message possible to the Trust that you need to be rewarded, respected, and recognised properly for the work you do and have been doing.
Q. Will we be taking strike action if I vote, yes?
A. It depends on the response from the Trust. Voting YES sends the strongest message possible that you would take industrial action and has in many cases been enough to get the Trust to meet our demands. If they continue to refuse to negotiate a fair settlement, then we will discuss strike action with you to achieve these goals.
Q. What about my enhancements – I have heard I might be worse off due to the difference in the enhancement rates?
A. You should never be worse off at the Top of Band 3 – even if your enhancement percentage is lower, you will still earn more overall.
Q. I have heard I might end up owing the Trust money due to the difference in enhancement rates?
A. For the reasons above, there is no way you could ever end up owing the trust money – as if you had been on a Band 3 with enhancements you would have been paid more. Our position is that no member should be at a detriment in the calculation of back pay of future pay.
Q. Will I get strike pay if I go out on strike?
A. Strike pay is normally £50 a day from the first day of action, if authorised. Strike pay cannot exceed normal take-home pay, so if a member would earn less than £50 on a strike day, they can only claim their maximum take-home pay.
Q. Why is the ballot by post?
A. This is a legal ballot for industrial action which must be conducted by post due to legislation introduced by the previous government.
Q. When do I need to post it by?
A. It’s crucial that you post your ballot back immediately but by no later than the 10 March 2025, to ensure that it reaches Civica (the ballot administrator) by the closing date.
Q. I am not a member. Can I join and have a vote?
A. Yes – you can join online at join.unison.org.uk. However, you must join by noon 24 February 2025 and contact us at n.ballots@unison.co.ukafter you have joined to request a ballot paper.
Q.What do I do if I do not receive a ballot?
If you do not receive a ballot paper by 10 February and you believe you should have done, contact n.ballots@unison.co.ukor 0191 245 0800.
Q. Why is UNISON not asking Bank staff to take part in the industrial action ballot?
A. We are not asking Bank staff to participate in the industrial action ballot because Bank staff are unable to take strike action due to the nature of your contracts. However, we will make it clear to the Trust that our position is that any re-banding process must include bank staff and that you should not be treated any differently to your substantive colleagues.
We would encourage members to support colleagues in our ballot process and urge them to Vote YES for Industrial Action.
Q. When will we be going out on strike and how long will we be out for?
A. If strike action is needed, the length and dates will be decided in consultation with your organising committee at the end of the ballot period.
Q: What do we need to achieve to win?
A: To be able to strike we need at least 50% of HCAs (Healthcare Assistants) to vote and at least 40% of all included in the ballot to vote YES to strike action.
Q: Will people know how I have voted?
A: The ballot is entirely confidential as it is not conducted by UNISON or the Trust, so your decision is private.
Q: I am worried about patients, who will cover our work?
A: The best thing for patient safety in the long term is to put patients first by staffing the hospital properly and give staff the support you need to do your jobs. We will work closely with the Trust to make sure there is no threat to life and limb. It is the Trusts responsibility to arrange for replacement staff to cover your work.
Q: Can you get in trouble for taking strike action?
A: No, you have the legal right to take industrial action.