Industrial Action Ballot Could Spread As York Hospital De-Recognises GMB In Row Over Medical Secretaries Pay Grading

52 Medical Secretaries asked GMB to hold an industrial action ballot as their employer York Hospital has refused to deal with their grievance over their pay grading as a result of the new 'Agenda for Change' pay structure in the National Health Service (NHS). Some Medical Secretaries have been put on Pay Band 3 and others on Pay Band 4. The completely female group's grievances have never been heard or addressed by the York Hospitals Trust.

As GMB members received their ballot papers the Trust responded by de-recognising GMB which is the largest trade union in York. The ballot result will be know on Tuesday 24^th October. GMB has received no reply to its attempts to discuss this growing dispute with the Trust.

Joan Keane, GMB Organiser said, "York Hospital Trust is in danger of escalating this matter into a full blown industrial dispute simply by not being with the original grievances that have been submitted in the proper way through the official and agreed channels that have worked successfully for many years.

For any employer to de-recognise an officially recognised trade union that has the right to collectively negotiate pay and conditions on behalf of its members is a very serious matter. But for an NHS Trust to do it is unbelievable, and in my experience unprecedented. GMB members will not allow themselves to be attacked and disenfranchised in this way.

 - Ends -

Contact: Joan Keane, GMB Organiser on 07958 156841 or GMB Press Office: Rose Conroy on 07974 251823 or Steve Pryle on 07921 289880.