The public services union Nipsa is preparing to ballot its healthcare members for industrial action, citing significant frustrations over pay, working conditions, and staffing levels. The union announced its intention to proceed with the ballot following discussions between union leaders and Health Minister Robbie Butler, after which Nipsa assistant secretary Kevin Kelly stated that "the time for talking is over" and that health workers have "reached a tipping point."
Nipsa is demanding the immediate implementation of this year's pay award, alongside pay reform to achieve parity with other regions in the United Kingdom. The union also seeks the extension of the Real Living Wage to workers in the care sector. The Department of Health has indicated that implementing the proposed 2026-27 pay award and the Real Living Wage would incur costs of approximately £280 million.
'Enough is Enough' for Union Members
Nipsa has been conducting meetings with members across the health service, and reports that the sentiment among them is one of clear frustration. In a communication to its healthcare members, the union stated that workers "should not have to face increasing workloads, unsafe staffing levels, threat to jobs and continued cuts to vital services."
The union is now initiating the legal process for the ballot, which is scheduled to open on October 21 and conclude next month. "Our members are telling us they have had enough of being asked to do more with less while services are cut, staff go unrecognised and pay issues remain unresolved," Kelly said. He highlighted that workers are still awaiting the 2026-27 pay award, and many low-paid staff are waiting for the Real Living Wage, with ongoing dissatisfaction regarding pay reform parity.
Nipsa also noted that the Executive expects health and social care organizations to implement cuts exceeding 12% over the next three years, a prospect met with strong opposition from their members. Last year's pay offer also experienced delays, with the Department of Health making the offer in November to avert threatened industrial action. At that time, £200 million was allocated for the pay deal.
Health Pay and the NI Executive
In Northern Ireland, health pay is a devolved matter. The Department of Health has reported a current deficit ranging between £800 million and £1 billion. Officials informed Stormont's health committee this week that due to the Northern Ireland Executive not yet agreeing on a budget, financial plans are continuing to be based on the multi-year budget paper issued in April.