Health workers in Swansea Bay are considering taking strike action due to pay disputes, as reported by Wales Online. The potential strike involves over 700 healthcare support workers employed by the Swansea Bay University Health Board. The staff, based at hospitals like Morriston and Singleton in Swansea, and Neath Port Talbot Hospital, claim they have been underpaid for their work.
The ballot for strike action is set to begin on October 17 and close on November 14. The heart of the issue lies in the fact that healthcare assistants are expected to provide only personal care under their job descriptions. However, the support staff in Swansea Bay report that they frequently carry out clinical tasks beyond their designated duties, like monitoring blood and inserting cannulas.
UNISON has voiced concerns over the disparity between the workload and compensation of these healthcare support workers. Lianne Owen, UNISON Cymru regional organiser, highlighted the demands placed on the staff, stressing the importance of fairly compensating their efforts. Hollie Arnold, a healthcare support worker and UNISON representative at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need for adequate pay that aligns with the duties performed.
Efforts to avoid strike action are underway, with a call for Swansea Bay University Health Board to address the pay discrepancies promptly and fairly. The workers are dedicated to their roles but are seeking recognition and appropriate remuneration for the skilled work they provide. UNISON urges the health board to acknowledge the value of its staff and institute measures for fair pay practices to avert any potential industrial action.