Unite calls for resignation as Welsh health visitor strike action escalates

Health visitors at Cwm Taf Morgannwg (CTM) University Health Board have announced further strike action in a long-running pay dispute.

The Unite union, which is representing around 100 health visitors, has also called for the resignation of Hywel Daniel, director of people at the health board, criticising his handling of the dispute.

Union members have already completed 10 weeks out of the 12 weeks of strike action notice already served and Unite has now issued notice of a further two months from 15 May to 17 July.

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The dispute centres on claims that health visitors have been incorrectly paid at a Band 6 rate, when their job roles are equivalent to a Band 7 position

Unite estimates that staff are losing between £8,000 and £9,000 a year as a result.

However, according to a previous comment from a spokesperson for CTM Health Board, the job description for health visitors had recently been evaluated and remains at a Band 6.

In its latest statement, Unite said the Welsh Government backed its call for fair pay and that Jeremy Miles, cabinet secretary for health and social care, had written to the board urging an early resolution.

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said: ‘This dispute has seen a shameful response from the Cwm Taf Health Board.

‘This dispute is about what’s fair – these vital, and highly skilled, health visitors are owed the right wage – something even the Welsh Government has acknowledged and called on the Cwm Taf Health Board to pay.

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‘Until they do, our members will continue their strike action and have the full backing of Unite.’

The union said further action could affect service delivery, with some essential and mandatory appointments expected to go unfulfilled.

Paul Seppman, Unite regional officer, said: ‘Our members do not want to be in this position but are resolute in their fight for fair pay. It is an absolute disgrace the way the health board has acted.

‘There is no sense of urgency or responsibility to the families this affects. Hywel Daniel should resign.’

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A spokesperson for CTM University Health Board said: ‘We are disappointed with Unite’s decision to further extend this strike action, which we were notified of on Tuesday (5 May). The health board remains absolutely committed to resolving this dispute as soon as possible and will continue to engage with Unite through all appropriate channels.

‘We want to thank local families for their patience and understanding, and our staff for their commitment to maintaining essential services in these challenging circumstances.’