NHS pharmaceutical support workers across Tayside walked out on Monday morning, going on strike “indefinitely” over pay banding.
Picket lines outside Ninewells and Perth Royal Infirmary are campaigning for improved wages for the 41 support workers who have spent the last decade campaigning to be raised a band as additions have been made to their job description.
Campaigners from Unite trade union have said the industrial action could last “indefinitely” until the situation is resolved.
The action is expected to have an impact on the delivery of prescriptions and ward medicines across the region.
Currently in the band two pay grade, workers claim panels have ranked the job as falling within band three – and nearer to band four.
A review by an independent panel from NHS Ayrshire, scheduled to take place in Kilmarnock on August 9, was cancelled, further infuriating staff.
Picketing PRI, where 100% of union members balloted voted in favour of industrial action, around a dozen pharmacy support workers were joined by Unite regional co-ordinating officer Dougie Maguire.
He said it had been: “The familiar pattern of filtering duties from higher paid jobs to the point that our role is now unrecognisable compared to 15 years ago.”
He said: “Despite this, NHS Tayside refuses to acknowledge these additional duties and responsibilities and maintains that we should be graded as we were all those years ago.
“Consistency panels have raised questions about us being left on band two. Last year, we were told we had no right of appeal, which we pursued and it turned out we had.”
Unite has also criticised health minister Jeane Freeman MSP who, they claim, has shunned their latest letter, sent on August 12, calling for a resolution.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “This is a longstanding dispute within NHS Tayside over a job evaluation grading.
“Following a ballot for industrial action, Unite advised the board that it is the intention of pharmacy support workers to take action commencing on 19 August.
“We were made aware of Unite members support for industrial action on 11 June and subsequently of this planned industrial action on 11 July. Established procedures exist for the resolution of disputes of this nature and we are committed to supporting the parties to jointly resolve these issues.
“The Cabinet Secretary has not directly intervened in these matters but, when local processes couldn’t be completed, the board sought her view and she has asked her officials to provide whatever support and assistance they can in order to bring about a resolution.”
George Doherty, Director of Workforce for NHS Tayside said: “NHS Tayside has been in ongoing dialogue to resolve this dispute locally with Unite.
“We formally referred this matter for independent consideration to the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee (STAC). This is the senior independent body in NHS Scotland responsible for terms and conditions issues.”
He said: “NHS Tayside has always sought to avoid any industrial action and remains committed to working with Unite in accordance with the nationally-agreed framework. NHS Tayside hopes that STAC will provide a means of resolution.
“Patient safety, care and treatment will always be our overriding consideration. We have robust contingency plans in place to minimise any potential disruption so that we can continue to deliver the highest standards of care to all our patients. Services have been running as normal today.”
