Healthcare workers at Swansea Bay hospitals have decided to put a pause on their two-day strike, which was due to take place at hospitals in Swansea, Neath, and Port Talbot. The strike, announced by Unison, was intended as a last resort action due to the ongoing dispute over fair compensation for staff members. The union cited an improved pay offer from health board managers as the reason for the strike suspension. The original plan was for healthcare support workers to strike at eight hospitals in the local area, including Neath Port Talbot, Morriston, and Singleton.
The disagreement at the heart of the strike revolved around the refusal of Swansea Bay University Health Board to compensate staff for the additional responsibilities they have been shouldering. While NHS guidelines stipulate that healthcare support workers should primarily provide personal care to patients, Unison argues that staff at Swansea Bay hospitals have been routinely tasked with clinical duties such as monitoring vital signs and conducting medical tests. Unison has been advocating for these workers to be reclassified and receive appropriate back pay.
Following the improved pay offer from health board managers, Unison will now be presenting the proposal to healthcare assistants over the next two weeks for their consideration. Lianne Owen, the regional organiser for Unison Cymru, expressed relief at the progress but highlighted the frustration that the threat of a strike was necessary to prompt a better offer. The decision on whether to accept the improved deal now lies with the healthcare workers involved in the dispute.
One Neath Port Talbot Hospital healthcare support worker, Hollie Arnold, emphasized the importance of fair pay for the essential work that they do. Despite their dedication to their roles, healthcare workers stress the need to be compensated fairly for the level of care and responsibility they provide to patients. Unison’s efforts have seen success in other NHS trusts in England, with reclassification and back pay being granted to healthcare support workers in recognition of their expanded job responsibilities.
The strike suspension comes as a welcome development for patients and staff at Swansea Bay hospitals, averting potential disruptions to vital healthcare services. Unison’s negotiation efforts have led to a step forward in addressing the compensation issue that has been a point of contention. The ongoing discussions between the union and health board managers will determine the next steps in ensuring that healthcare workers are fairly acknowledged and remunerated for their essential contributions to patient care.
As healthcare workers in Swansea, Neath, and Port Talbot await the outcome of the proposed pay offer, the focus remains on achieving a resolution that recognises the dedication and professionalism of these frontline staff members. The potential acceptance of the improved deal could signal a positive shift towards valuing the crucial role played by healthcare support workers within the Swansea Bay University Health Board. The unity and determination shown by Unison and the healthcare assistants reflect a commitment to upholding fair compensation standards and ensuring quality healthcare delivery for the local community.