Ballots on NHS pay open today for CSP members working in England and Wales.
The ballots will run until 12 December and the CSP is recommending that members vote in favour of strike action over pay awards that were overwhelmingly rejected during consultations in September.
Members in Scotland last week voted yes to strike action and will now be consulted over a new offer from the Scottish government.
Alex MacKenzie, CSP chair of council, urged members to vote and called on the respective governments in Wales and Westminster to come back to the table with improved deals.
‘The fact that physios are having to consider striking over pay shows just how under pressure our health system is,’ she said.
‘We are working under enormous stress due to huge waiting lists and a staffing crisis, and a pay offer that is half the rate of inflation is both shocking and insulting.
‘If the government do not come back with decent offers in line with inflation and that benefits all, then more physiotherapy staff will be forced to leave.
‘We currently have a workforce crisis on our hands. If more physios leave due to such a low pay rise this will ultimately impact on patient care.
‘The governments for England and Wales simply can’t afford to stall on this any longer, especially as we head into the winter months when NHS pressures will only build, and patient care is paramount.’
Members are urged to look out for the golden envelope containing their ballot paper arriving this week. Please return completed ballot papers as soon as possible to allow for postal disruption.
Every vote counts
The law now imposes high requirements on turnout and ‘Yes’ votes in each employer in order for an industrial action mandate to be legitimate. Talk to your colleagues and persuade everyone to use their vote.
- attend the national pay webinar on Tuesday 15 November at 5.30pm
- attend a regional meeting or organising clinic
- publicise the ballot in your workplace and community with our digital and print at home resources
- turn to page 24 of your November Frontline for a cut out and canvas flyer.
What to do if your ballot paper does not arrive
If you are employed in the NHS under Agenda for Change terms and conditions in England and Wales and have not received your ballot paper by Friday 11 November, then email pay@csp.org.uk with your name, membership number, employer and workplace details, and your home address.
We will then carry out the necessary checks and issue your ballot paper as soon as we can.
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