HEALTH workers in Exeter and Devon have outlined why they are supporting strike action in a dispute over pay.
Unison's NHS workers in the South West, including nurses, occupational therapists, porters, paramedics, medical secretaries, cooks and healthcare assistants have voted yes to industrial action by a large majority.
They say they have been denied a pay rise after the Government decided to ignore the NHS Pay Review Body's recommendations and instead give a one per cent non-consolidated increase only to staff at the top of their incremental scale.
Unison says that because the award is non-consolidated it will not count towards pension entitlements or shift pay - and will be wiped away at the end of March 2016 - meaning wages will go back to their April 2013 level.
They claim this means 60 per cent of NHS staff and 70 per cent of nurses won't get a pay rise for the next two years.
A total of 68 per cent nationally voted to take part in a strike while 88 per cent said they were prepared to take part in action short of striking.
Staff at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, the city-based Devon Partnership Trust and the Northern Devon Healthcare Trust that runs community hospitals in Exeter, East and Mid-Devon, were among those who took part in the vote.
Paul Andrews, of the RD&E NHS Foundation Trust, said: "I voted yes because as a health worker I know I won't have an extravagant lifestyle, but everyone deserves a living wage"
A porter at the RD&E, who is known only as Steve, said he supported action as "My pay isn't keeping up with the cost of living increases."
Trudie Brailey of Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust said: "This result shows how very upset and angry our members feel, they truly have had enough of this selfish government who undervalues the valuable services that they provide. This result sends a clear message to government that our members are not willing to take any more and will stand together to fight for a living wage for all, enough is enough!"
Jim Clawson of Devon Partnership Trust added: "I've voted yes as the recent decision to ignore the Pay Review Body recommendation showed a total disregard for NHS staff and their patients"
UNISON Regional Head of Health Helen Eccles said members across the South West were "struggling to meet their household bills" whilst continuing to deliver "good quality healthcare across the region."
UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis has called on Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt to re-open negotiations to avoid strike action.
He said: "This Government's treatment of NHS workers has angered them and this anger has now turned into action. Refusing to pay them even a paltry one per cent shows what the Government really thinks about its health workers.
"Inflation has continued to rise since 2011 and the value of NHS pay has fallen by around 12 per cent.
"We know health workers don't take strike action lightly or often. The last action over pay was 32 years ago. But we also know a demoralised and demotivated workforce isn't good for patients."
Unison said it will coordinate with other unions over the date and type of action taken.
A Department of Health spokesman said: "We are disappointed that Unison is planning industrial action and has rejected our proposals to give NHS staff at least one per cent pay this year and at least a further one per cent next year.
"We remain keen to meet with the unions to discuss how we can work together to make the NHS pay system fairer and more affordable."
