Following detailed consultation with PDA members, the PDA Union has begun its first-ever strike ballot. Members in Northern Ireland directly employed by the NHS under Agenda for Change terms and conditions will start receiving ballot papers from 28 February.
Paul Moloney, PDA Union National Officer explains, “This will be a postal ballot as required by law so we urge members to look out for the ballot paper, which will be clearly marked as urgent.”
Following clear guidance from PDA members, the PDA Union is balloting members as part of the ongoing dispute over NHS pay.
Members in Northern Ireland, unlike colleagues elsewhere in the UK, have received no increase at all, not even that rejected in England and Wales, due to the lack of a functioning Northern Ireland Assembly.
Paul continued, “We recognise the political situation in Northern Ireland has exacerbated the situation but while it has put on hold any pay increase indefinitely, it has not put inflation on hold.
Members in Northern Ireland, like their colleagues elsewhere, deserve a fair increase paid quickly.”