UNITE the Union has announced (21 Feb) it’s health visitor members at Cwm Taf (CTM) Morgannwg Health Board will take industrial action.
The health visitors at the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board health board, based in Merthyr Tydfil, have had their request for accurate job descriptions denied on multiple occasions and are faced with increasing and unsustainable demands for their specialist knowledge and expertise. The service is struggling under a tsunami of demands post-Covid alongside the impact of the ongoing economic crisis on families.
The 67 workers, who are members of Unite, the UK’s leading union recorded a 100 per cent ‘yes’ vote in favour of industrial action. Action short of a strike, including no unpaid overtime, no statistical reporting for the Welsh government and no covering for vacant caseloads will take place. Action will begin on 26th February and continue until late July. This is the first time health visitors have taken industrial action as a distinct group of workers in Wales.
The health visitors in CTM are facing greatly increased demand in terms of the complexity of caseloads which together with unfilled vacancies and above average sickness rates is making their caseloads unsustainable.
The health visitors believe that their job descriptions are outdated and want it replaced with an accurate reflection of the role they now undertake. CTM’s management has failed to address this issue due to the likely increase in pay that would accompany it.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our health visitor members at CTM have seen a massive increase in the complexity of their caseloads. Chronic vacancy rates and increased demands means they are prevented from doing their jobs effectively. Graham added, “Unite’s has a laser-like focus on the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and our health visitors will receive the union’s complete support.”
Health visitors are central to delivering the Welsh government’s public health agenda relating to children, young people, their families and carers. They provide vital care and support during the antenatal to school age period. In socially deprived areas, such as the South Wales valleys, the service they have provided has delivered untold benefits to children and their families.
Unite regional officer Paul Seppman said: “Our members are disillusioned with the tactics employed by their management and the total lack of recognition of their legitimate concerns. “Unite has made numerous attempts to resolve this with the employer, all of which have been ignored. This is shocking behaviour from the health board which now needs to engage with us and treat their employees with the respect they very much deserve.”
