Nurses and patients on Glasgow hospital wards could be significantly affected if a key group of NHS staff does not receive an ‘overdue’ pay rise.
Dozens of ward clerks issued the warning today as they walked out and rallied outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
The action was intended as a final appeal to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) to re-evaluate ward clerks’ pay grades before workers are ‘forced’ to take industrial action.
It comes after they voted overwhelmingly to strike, with 98% backing a walkout in a UNISON ballot.
Frances Carmichael, branch secretary at UNISON, said: “The strike could begin with ward clerks refusing to carry out certain duties, taking a day or half-day of action, or it may escalate to all-out action, which would have a huge impact on wards.
“The work they do would instead fall to nurses, taking them away from patient care.”
She continued: “Today is about showing the board that these ward clerks are determined and will not go away. They want their roles to be re-evaluated and recognised for the work they do.
“Being a clerk is an essential part of running a ward, but the role has changed over the years. Our message to the board is that we are here, we are willing to talk, but we will not let you continue as you have been.”
Ward clerks provide administrative support to healthcare professionals. They also welcome patients, relatives and visitors, answer phone calls and emails, manage access to medical records, and handle patient test results.
But one ward clerk, who has been in the role for 18 years, said the job has become more demanding, with staff taking on more duties than ever.
She said her pay band has remained at Band 2 since she started — the lowest pay band in the NHS.
The ward clerk, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “For several years, ward clerks have carried out duties well above our pay grade — something the board is aware of.
“For the past year, we have been fighting to have our roles re-evaluated. We have gone back and forth with management, but it has resulted in no further action.”
She added: “We do not want to take strike action. We hope that after today, management will acknowledge us, return to the table and help us achieve what we are asking for.”
The action saw the ward clerks chant 'no ward clerks, no party' and 'no ward clerks, no work done'.
Staff carried Unison flags and placards which slogans like 'ward clerks matter' and 'pay us like we're essential'.
A spokesperson for NHSGGC said: "NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde greatly value the work of our Ward Clerks and remain committed to working in partnership with them to deliver a high-quality service to our patients.
"We continue to meet with trade unions as we seek a resolution to these matters.
"As an accredited Real Living Wage employer, NHSGGC is committed to fair pay and, as a minimum, pays a wage that is independently calculated based on the cost of living."
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