Agenda for change could "destroy the NHS"
FROM HEALTH WORKER PRESS
As the final stages of the negotiation on the NHS pay modernisation
scheme (Agenda for Change) are underway fresh crises over unsocial hours
working and on-call allowances look likely to introduce further delays
in the controversial proposals. With Sunderland hospitals dropping out
of the Agenda for Change Early implementer pilots and NE Ambulance trust
in dispute with staff over paid meal breaks the numbers of Agenda for
Change sceptics is increasing from a trickle to a flood.
Leaders and members of NHS unions will be meeting soon in Birmingham to
discuss the results for the early implementers. They are already
expressing sharp concerns.
Mark Ladbrooke a member of UNISON's Health Group Exec commented 'If the
Sunderland downgrading figures were applied across the country up to
half a million health workers could face pay cuts. People just wouldn't
stay. This cut price modernisation could lead to a wave of unofficial
disputes and could well destroy the NHS'.
Gill George, Amicus NEC member, also speaking in a personal capacity,
said:
The worst thing about AFC is the attack on women workers. AFC
isn't about fair pay for women - it's about reversing equal value
victories and making sure they can't happen again. AFC institutionalises
poverty pay for women workers in the NHS.
The conference organised by the Healthworker paper is expected to
attract health workers from all unions.
Its called Agenda for Change - Is this the deal we want?
Its a conference to discuss strategy and campaigning and takes
place Saturday 31 July 1.15 to 5pm Carrs Lane Church Centre Birmingham
B4 7SX
(Near to Moor Street and New Street Rail stations)
Contact Caroline at c.bedale@unisonfree.net
to book.
