Union: Nurses still angry about ‘secret’ pay deals

Union: Nurses still angry about ‘secret’ pay deals

Unions are holding regular meetings with their members after allied health-care professionals – a sector which includes social workers and occupational therapists – received a significant pay uplift in November before staff were told about the changes of the workforce modernisation programme.

Kenny McNeil, chairman of the Jersey branch of the Royal College of Nursing, said they were prepared to work with the States to find a resolution but nothing had yet been proposed.

The £47 million workforce modernisation programme, which was rejected by the Prospect, Unite, Jersey Nursing Association and RCN unions, would have subjected all States staff to one set of terms and conditions and a standardised pay scheme.

Mr McNeil said: ‘We are hopefully going to get an idea of how some of our members are feeling and talk about where we go from here.

‘We have had discussions with the employer about some staff receiving upgrades and they still have to address the pay equality issue. That has to be brought into any attempts of a resolution.

‘We are feeling angry, a bit demoralised and let down by what has been going on. We need to get some answers for our members.

‘They need to see some accountability from the employers on what has happened and some real moves to resolve it. We are prepared to work with them to make sure we get a fair deal.’

Terry Hanby of the JNA has previously said its members would consider a vote of no confidence in senior Health Department managers.

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