GMB union walks away from NHS pay process as the government has ‘substantial power’ over the pay review body

The ambulance service largest union have walked away from participating with the so called independent pay review body.

The GMB union has said that an internal document shows that the government does have “substantial power” over the pay review body.

The union are disputing the independence of the body and are claiming that Minister are hiding behind the pay review body as they attempt to justify a further sharp cut in the value of our members’ wages,” therefore the GMB has “lost faith.”

The document says, “Ministers continue to insult our members’ intelligence by telling them to believe that experts have independently recommended that they endure 12 years of pay cuts.”

The GMB union said that “until substantial reforms are made” they will no longer negotiate with the pay review body.

Rachel Harrison, GMB national secretary, said, “GMB will not engage with the PRB process for next year – we are currently in dispute following this year’s pay that was imposed on us via the PRB.

“We do not believe the PRB is able to act independently. The Government place restrictions on it in their remits.

“This is the Government’s PRB.

“GMB wants to reform the PRB so it is allowed to operate truly independently like it was intended.”