Yahoo News Grimsby maternity workers vote to strike over pay dispute
Grimsby maternity support workers have voted to strike in a dispute about pay.
Unison said the vote for industrial action was unanimous and a date will be announced in the near future. The striking workers at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital are campaigning for back payment following their successful bid to go up an NHS salary band.
Maternity support workers, sometimes known as midwifery assistants, carry out tasks such as recording a patient's temperature, pulse, and blood pressure. They can also take blood samples for testing, promote breastfeeding, and help educate parents before the birth, according to the NHS.
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Several healthcare workers at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust were previously on band 2 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale. However, the union claimed they regularly undertook clinical duties that fell under the higher band 3.
In 2019, NHS trusts were told by Health Education England that some maternity support workers were working above their pay grade and their roles should be reviewed. Although the Grimsby maternity workers have now been regraded by their employer, they're still seeking full back pay, claims UNISON.
A spokesperson for Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust said: "We understand that some members of our Maternity Support Workers at the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital intend to take part in industrial action over back pay.
"These are highly valued members of staff and we have been involved in lengthy discussions with Unison to find a mutually satisfactory resolution. However, we fully respect their right to ballot for industrial action.
"Our priority continues to be the safety of the expectant parents and babies in our care, and we will put robust plans together to maintain a safe service."
