Are NHS staff in Tayside and Fife set to strike as winter hits?

The NHS in Tayside and Fife is edging closer to industrial action over pay – but it could mean staff out on strike during the busy winter period.

There’s been overwhelming discontent from staff over the Scottish Government’s pay offer of 5%.

NHS workers who are members of Unison and Unite unions have rejected the offer.

And, from today, strike ballot papers will be sent to members.

But what happens next – and what contingency plans are health boards putting in place in case strikes go ahead?

Last month Unison revealed a staggering 91% of their members voted to reject the pay offer.

That follows 89% of Unite union’s members also rejecting the deal.

What’s next for strike action?

Unions have to follow a set of procedures required by law.

Following on from the earlier consultative ballots, unions will now officially ballot members.

They also have to give a formal strike notification to employers – in this case NHS boards.

For the ballot to be legal 50% of union members have to vote.

Upcoming ballots

Unison tell us they’ll ballot their 55,000 NHS members across Scotland with papers starting to drop from Monday October 3 and boards have been served notice.

The union will also host an online rally to coincide with the papers going out.

Their ballot will close on October 31.

Unite intended to serve notice of ballot last week across boards in Scotland, including the ambulance service.

Unite’s ballot will open on October 7 to November 4.

When could NHS strikes over pay happen?

Unison says if members vote to take industrial action the strike could take place at the end of November.

Unite says it will look to co-ordinate with other trade unions about industrial action.

We approached NHS Fife and NHS Tayside to ask what they’re doing to prepare for potential strikes.

What do NHS Tayside and Fife say?

Both health boards have given assurances they’re already working on plans.

A spokesperson for NHS Tayside tells us they have detailed contingency plans to deal with potential workforce issues.

They add this is to “ensure we continue to deliver patient care and treatment across our sites”.

A spokesperson for NHS Fife says they’re also starting to review local contingency arrangements.

They add: “We will consider any additional national direction, following the announcement from Unison to ballot its members on taking industrial action.

“Patient safety will remain our priority in the event of any period of industrial action.

“And we will work with our staff side colleagues to minimise any disruption to services.”