Midwives in Scotland to strike over 'insulting' pay offer

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Midwives in Scotland are set to go on strike over an 'insulting' pay offer from the Scottish Government. Workers voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action after declining a 5% pay increase.

In a turnout of 61% of eligible voters, more than 88% of midwives and maternity support workers (MSWs) north of the border who are part of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) voted to strike.The union described the move as “insulting” and “derisory.” According to the RCM the latest deal, made late last week, “made no meaningful difference to the initial offer for most RCM members across Scotland” and was in fact “a reduction for many”.

Jaki Lambert, director for Scotland at the RCM, said: “Our members’ feelings on their pay and the derisory offer from the Scottish Government are patently clear.

It reveals their disgust at a massively below-inflation pay offer that goes nowhere near to catching up with inflation or makes up for years of pay freezes and pay stagnation. “It shows that they feel just how little their dedication, commitment and skills are valued by this Government.