Menu
06/01/2020
NI Midwives To Vote On Industrial Action
Midwives in Northern Ireland are set to vote on whether they are willing to take industrial action over pay.
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) ballot opened today, Monday 06 January, and will close on Wednesday 29.
It follows exhaustive talks over pay and conditions with the Department of Health as staff seek pay parity with their counterparts in Great Britain.
The decision to hold a ballot comes after nine years of pay restraint which has seen midwives and MSWs take a real term pay cut. Local midwives currently earn up to £2,000 less than their colleagues in England, with an even wider gap when compared to those in Scotland.
RCM's Director for Northern Ireland Karen Murray said: "We have exhausted every avenue over a number of years in trying to resolve this dispute with the Department of Health. Despite our best efforts to negotiate a fair pay deal for our members the department have failed to come to an agreement. Our midwives here are much worse off in their pay packet than their colleagues in other parts of the UK. This is simply neither right nor fair. That is why we are recommending our members to vote yes to industrial action."
Ms Murray added: "This is a decision taken after a great deal of thought and consideration. Midwives and MSWs work incredibly hard to provide safe and high-quality care for women, babies and their families. All the evidence shows that staff who feel they are valued by their employers deliver better care.
"Failing to pay our midwives and MSWs a fair wage shows that employers do not value them. A yes vote in this ballot will show employers that they have exhausted the goodwill of our midwives and MSWs that has kept our maternity services going. It is time to take a stand for fair pay."
(JG/CM)
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) ballot opened today, Monday 06 January, and will close on Wednesday 29.
It follows exhaustive talks over pay and conditions with the Department of Health as staff seek pay parity with their counterparts in Great Britain.
The decision to hold a ballot comes after nine years of pay restraint which has seen midwives and MSWs take a real term pay cut. Local midwives currently earn up to £2,000 less than their colleagues in England, with an even wider gap when compared to those in Scotland.
RCM's Director for Northern Ireland Karen Murray said: "We have exhausted every avenue over a number of years in trying to resolve this dispute with the Department of Health. Despite our best efforts to negotiate a fair pay deal for our members the department have failed to come to an agreement. Our midwives here are much worse off in their pay packet than their colleagues in other parts of the UK. This is simply neither right nor fair. That is why we are recommending our members to vote yes to industrial action."
Ms Murray added: "This is a decision taken after a great deal of thought and consideration. Midwives and MSWs work incredibly hard to provide safe and high-quality care for women, babies and their families. All the evidence shows that staff who feel they are valued by their employers deliver better care.
"Failing to pay our midwives and MSWs a fair wage shows that employers do not value them. A yes vote in this ballot will show employers that they have exhausted the goodwill of our midwives and MSWs that has kept our maternity services going. It is time to take a stand for fair pay."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 September 2002
MLA's call for new firefighters pay scheme
Two UUP MLA's have called on the Northern Ireland Executive to implement a new pay scheme for Ulster's firefighters. North Antrim UUP MLA the Rev Robert Coulter called for the introduction of a new pay formula in a motion to the Assembly on Monday. Mr Coulter said he hoped it would help achieve a real remedy to the question of firefighter’s pay.
MLA's call for new firefighters pay scheme
Two UUP MLA's have called on the Northern Ireland Executive to implement a new pay scheme for Ulster's firefighters. North Antrim UUP MLA the Rev Robert Coulter called for the introduction of a new pay formula in a motion to the Assembly on Monday. Mr Coulter said he hoped it would help achieve a real remedy to the question of firefighter’s pay.
24 May 2021
Hovis Workers Agree Increased Pay Offer
A majority of Hovis workers have accepted an increased pay offer and strike action has now ended. Unite the union welcomed the offer and said it was as "decisive victory for workforce achieved through collective organisation and industrial militancy".
Hovis Workers Agree Increased Pay Offer
A majority of Hovis workers have accepted an increased pay offer and strike action has now ended. Unite the union welcomed the offer and said it was as "decisive victory for workforce achieved through collective organisation and industrial militancy".
12 September 2013
O'Dowd Could Fast-Track Teachers' Incremental Pay
Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has said he will move to fast-track the payment of teachers' incremental pay awards. The date for teachers' incremental progression each year is 1 September, but no agreement has been formally reached between employers and unions on a 2013/14 pay award.
O'Dowd Could Fast-Track Teachers' Incremental Pay
Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has said he will move to fast-track the payment of teachers' incremental pay awards. The date for teachers' incremental progression each year is 1 September, but no agreement has been formally reached between employers and unions on a 2013/14 pay award.
30 April 2015
NI Midwives Strike Over Pay
Northern Ireland Midwives and radiographers are staging a four hour strike from 8am to 12pm today, Thursday, in a dispute over pay. Breedagh Hughes, Director for Northern Ireland at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) said: "This is not a step that our midwife and maternity support worker members take lightly.
NI Midwives Strike Over Pay
Northern Ireland Midwives and radiographers are staging a four hour strike from 8am to 12pm today, Thursday, in a dispute over pay. Breedagh Hughes, Director for Northern Ireland at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) said: "This is not a step that our midwife and maternity support worker members take lightly.
21 April 2015
NI Midwives To Strike Over Pay
Midwives in Northern Ireland are preparing to strike in a dispute over pay. Almost 90% of members from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) supported a strike. A total of 89.7% said they are prepared to take part in a strike, while 96.5% said they are prepared to take part in action short of a strike.
NI Midwives To Strike Over Pay
Midwives in Northern Ireland are preparing to strike in a dispute over pay. Almost 90% of members from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) supported a strike. A total of 89.7% said they are prepared to take part in a strike, while 96.5% said they are prepared to take part in action short of a strike.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
