LONDON, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Unite the Union members working in the NHS as ancillary and ambulance staff, have overwhelmingly rejected the Government's 7.99% three year pay deal.
In a ballot ambulance staff and low paid workers including porters, caterers and cleaners resoundingly rejected the deal by 6 to 1. The union will be meeting with the other public sector unions to discuss the next steps.
The rejection comes on behalf of 12,000 ancillary and ambulance staff. On the 22nd April, the Unite committee representing a further 100,000 NHS healthcare members unanimously rejected the three-year deal.
On behalf of the 12,000 ancillary and ambulance staff, Unite's national officer, Peter Allenson, said: "This overwhelming rejection of the Government's pay offer illustrates the strength of feeling amongst our members. They are angry and frustrated that the Government is attempting to tie them into a deal without adequate protection against an uncertain economic climate. As the deal stands there is insufficient scope to enable our members to maintain their living standards let alone improve them.
"The re-negotiation clause, which should come into effect in situations of rising inflation, is not strong enough. We are demanding that the Government does more to build-in some security, to protect our members' pay from deteriorating in the event that the economy takes a turn for the worse."
Notes to editors:
Speak up for public services rally and lobby - Monday, 9th June
Unite members are invited to attend a TUC lobby of Parliament to protest against the reduction in living standards for hundreds of thousands of people working in the public sector.
Morale among Public Sector employees is low and many feel undervalued. Our members are angry that there has been no meaningful consultation over widespread reforms of our public services and the government's failure to increase pay in line with inflation has heightened the feeling of alienation.
If we want the Government to listen, we must make sure our voice is heard. It is vital that Unite has a strong presence on the day. We need Unite activists and members on the ground to attend the rally and lobby their MPs.
Rally in Central Hall, Westminster from 1pm. Lobby MPs from 3.30pm
If you would like to attend the lobby please contact your regional office for details of transport on the day http://www.amicustheunion.org/Default.aspx?page=53
Campaign materials are available either from your regional office or as a download from the Unite website http://www.unitetheunion.com/speakup
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo on +44-7768-931-315 or +44-207-420-8931
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