The threat of industrial action by NHS workers over pay is increasing amid continuing anger over the Government’s 3% increase.
The GMB union announced it will be balloting tens of thousands of its NHS members in England. The ballot opens November 10 and closes on December 15.
If the vote in the ballot is a yes, then strikes will be set to start in the new year.
Members of other health unions are also being consulted about industrial action over pay.
More than nine out of 10 GMB members in the NHS have already rejected the 3%, which the union said was below inflation and so amounted to a real-terms pay cut.
The GMB has been campaigning for a pay increase of 15%, or £2 per hour – whichever is highest – to replace what has been lost from NHS pay packets over the last decade.
Rachel Harrison, GMB national officer, said: “After their heroic efforts during the pandemic, NHS workers are now being asked to swallow this miserable pay cut.
“A 3% pay offer does not restore a decade of real-terms pay cuts, doesn’t recognise their Covid efforts, is below inflation and will not cover the proposed increase in national insurance and pensions contributions.
“It is in fact, a pay cut.
“The NHS is facing a staffing crisis and is creaking under the pressure of the pandemic.
“A pay award like this is a slap in the face for all health workers and is not the way to fix things.
“NHS workers deserve a restorative 15% pay increase, not this derisory offering.”
The Royal College of Nursing will consult its members in England next month on industrial action.
Unite and Unison have also warned of industrial action this winter.
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