Allowances to increase for GHA industrial workers, following GoG Unite resolution

The Government and Unite the union have resolved the dispute regarding GHA Industrial workers. The General Operative, Domestics and Labourers at the Health Authority have been pushing for higher pay on the basis of working in a clinical environment.

The agreement will see a 4% allowance on their basic pay as well as a Hospital Hygiene Continuity Allowance of up to £500 per year, calculated based on attendance.

General Operatives, Domestics and Labourers at the GHA have been on industrial dispute since November last year. They argued they were being treated unequally and should be paid more because of working in a clinical setting.

They said they were treated differently from domestic staff in other government departments during the pandemic but were now told they are no different from similar roles across the public service.

The Government has announced today that a GHA Unite review has found these workers roles are “significantly different” from those of general cleaners employed in non-clinical government departments.

The review also finds inconsistencies with job descriptions for the people doing the same role.

The government says it has realigned and clarified roles and responsibilities, adding that this has brought fairness to the grading structure.

The Government says it is also addressing equipment and uniform matters, as part of the resolution.

So what has actually been agreed?

Workers will receive an allowance equal to 4% of their basic pay at the end of each month. If their basic pay increases, the allowance will adjust accordingly - remaining at 4% of the new basic pay.

There’s also going to another allowance of up to £500 a year. This will be calculated based on attendance, and Unite says it should maximise the number of people that go to work, reducing the cost of covering staff.

The Health Minister describes the resolution as a win for patients and the quality of care and cleanliness they receive.

Unite the Union says whilst there are still a great many issues to resolve in the Health and Care industry, there is undoubtedly a direction of travel within the industrial relationship that is progressing positively.