An eleventh-hour back pay offer has averted strike action by payroll staff at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Scotland's largest health board. The staff, represented by the UNISON union, had voted to strike over a lack of pay redress for accumulating more complex tasks and responsibilities over many years.
Dispute resolution at the last minute
Payroll officers had backed a walkout to pressure the health board into reviewing their pay levels. However, managers presented an offer of seven years' worth of back pay just hours before the strike was set to take effect, putting the industrial action on hold.
UNISON branch secretary Frances Carmichael said: “Payroll workers are an essential part of the NHS team. They’ve been underpaid for years and it’s disappointing it took the threat of strike action to get bosses to play fair.”
Union calls for proper pay grading
UNISON is now urging NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde chiefs to negotiate a proper pay grading for the staff to prevent future strikes. Carmichael added: “The health board now needs to work with its staff to ensure they’re paid properly for the work they do if it wants to avoid disruption. That means a proper offer to resolve similar disputes involving ward clerks and health visitor team leaders, before the union is forced to name strike dates for those workers.”
Health board response
An NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde spokesman responded: “NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde greatly value the work of our payroll staff and remain committed to working in partnership with them and their representatives. We will continue to work constructively with staff and their representatives as this process progresses.”
