Healthcare support workers at Swansea Bay hospitals have voted to go on strike due to pay concerns. Trade union Unison reports that staff across eight hospitals in Swansea, Neath, and Port Talbot feel they have been underpaid for their services for many years. Unison highlights that healthcare support workers should be limited to personal care tasks according to NHS guidelines, but in reality, they are often carrying out more complex clinical duties without proper compensation.
Unison is now discussing next steps with its members and has indicated that strikes may be inevitable if a better pay offer is not made. In a recent ballot, 99% of staff who participated supported the idea of strike action. Lianne Owen, regional organiser for Unison Cymru, emphasised the disparity between the low pay of healthcare support workers and the demanding tasks they perform. She stressed that strike action is a last resort, calling for fair compensation for staff who have been underpaid for their work.
Hollie Arnold, a healthcare support worker at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, echoed the sentiment, stating that the ballot result reflects the strong desire of healthcare support workers to receive fair pay for their contributions. The Swansea Bay University Health Board expressed disappointment over the strike ballot results but acknowledged the concerns raised by the union. They affirmed their commitment to addressing the issue locally and working collaboratively with healthcare colleagues across Wales to find a resolution.
The health board emphasised its appreciation for all staff, including healthcare support workers, and their dedication to ensuring fair treatment for everyone. Despite the ongoing dialogue with Unison, the issue of pay inequity for healthcare support workers remains a challenge not unique to Swansea Bay or Wales. The health board remains hopeful for a constructive resolution to the matter while acknowledging the value of their staff’s hard work and commitment to patient care.
The strike action is a significant development that underscores the urgent need to address the long-standing issue of pay discrepancies within the healthcare sector. As discussions continue between Unison and the Swansea Bay University Health Board, healthcare support workers are steadfast in their demand for fair remuneration for the essential work they provide. The outcome of these negotiations will not only impact the staff directly involved but also have broader implications for employee rights and fair compensation across the healthcare industry.