GMB Scotland in NHS and SAS: Your 2023/24 Pay BallotThroughout the negotiations on your pay for 2022-23 and 2023-24, GMB has been completely clear with our members about the value of the offers tabled by the Scottish Government, and our union’s positions throughout this process have been set entirely by your workplace representatives – always. We have laid out below for your full consultation the 2023-24 offer to you, this includes the combined value to you of both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 offers:
We want to be clear with you. These historically higher pay offers have not emerged as a result of the cost-of-living crisis and inflationary pressures, and they haven’t been gifted by government either. They are a direct consequence of more trade union members across the NHS and SAS organising themselves to achieve statutory strike mandates. Make no mistake, the threat of strike action has pushed the government to improve their offer. The unconsolidated extra ‘3 months backpay’ was a direct result of your willingness and ability to take industrial action, your position secured this as part of the offer for the whole workforce. We also recognise that the terms on the table may not go far enough and that the pay offer falls short of inflation. However, this will only be a cliff-edge for the value of your pay if you let it. If we continue to organise and grow our union, then we can achieve better pay offers in 2024-25 and beyond. It is the process of industrial relations that has brought us to this point, and if we keep campaigning and organising in NHS and SAS then we can make work better, year on year.
The consultative ballot will be conducted electronically and will run from Wednesday 22 February until Wednesday 15 March. To ensure you receive your ballot, please ensure your contact details are consented and up to date at www.gmb.org.uk/mygmbDuring this consultative ballot, please be aware the strike mandates previously secured by SAS and health board areas remain protected and that we continue to remain in official dispute with the Scottish Government until such time a majority of GMB members accept an offer. The decision is now yours on whether GMB accepts or rejects the Scottish Government’s proposals for your pay and conditions. So please take the time to read the full terms and conditions provided before you cast your ballot.
If you know a colleague who isn’t a trade union member, now is the time to join GMB now at www.gmb.org.uk/joinKaren LeonardGMB Scotland Organiser
Posted: 23rd February 2023