The Government notes the recent statements issued by Unite the Union regarding the industrial action taken by its industrial grade members at the GHA.

The Government strongly believes that the industrial action is entirely unnecessary and inappropriate, given the constructive and positive nature of the negotiations with Unite the Union to date. As outlined by the GHA's senior management team in their statement, significant progress has already been made, with four of the nine issues raised by Unite having already been successfully resolved.

The remaining issues include a demand for a 10% allowance increase to basic pay, which the Government considers entirely unreasonable and unacceptable. As custodians of the public purse, the Government cannot agree to an such a large increase, given its considerable cost implications. Instead, the GHA has proposed an increase to basic pay, which the Government will consider the appropriateness or otherwise of when the GHA management submits it to the Government for approval, if accepted by the Union. In any event, any increase would have to be funded from existing GHA budgets. 

Additionally, the Government is becoming increasingly concerned by Unite’s apparent failure to manage the expectations of its members. It would appear that rather than assessing the merits and broader implications of each claim, the Union appears to be supporting all demands and claims, regardless of their potential impact on public finances. This further appears to be an issue of inter-union politics. It is the Unions duty to scrutinise each claim and advise its members accordingly. The Government has a track record of positively settling reasonable claims with Unite, but it has done so only where the claims submitted are fair and its cost implications well considered and affordable. 

While the Government remains committed to resolving the outstanding issues, it will not engage in further negotiations while the industrial action persists. 

The current full stoppage of work by industrials at the hospital, despite some of the derogations agreed, creates unnecessary disruption for patients and undermines the progress that has been achieved so far. The Government nonetheless reiterates its willingness to return to positive discussions, provided the strike action is called off immediately. 

Finally, the Government would like to thank all GHA staff who have gone above and beyond to ensure that the impact of the strike on hospital has been minimised.