Physiotherapists vote to strike over pensions
Massive 'yes' vote for first industrial action in 31 years
NHS physiotherapy staff working in England, Scotland and Wales have overwhelmingly voted to take strike action over the Government’s proposals to reduce their pensions, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) has announced.
With a combined turnout of 66 per cent, a huge 86 per cent backed industrial action over proposals that would force them to pay more and work up to the age of 68 for a pension that in many cases will be significantly lower.
Many physiotherapy staff would be unable to work to 68 after a long career in such a physically demanding profession.
The strike on November 30 will be the CSP’s first in 31 years and will coincide with action taken by other public sector unions.
Alex MacKenzie, chair of the CSP’s Industrial Relations Committee, said:
“Physiotherapy staff are in the frontline of caring for patients and are dedicated professionals, so this was an extremely difficult decision for them to take.
“The message from our members however was loud and clear, we need to take this action to protect our pensions.
“Our aim has always been and remains a negotiated settlement. The Government has finally shown a willingness to negotiate, but the announcement two weeks ago in Parliament fell well short of an acceptable offer.
“The protection arrangements will not benefit the majority of our members who are under 40, staff who work hard to deliver high quality care for patients.
“We will continue to play a full role in negotiations but the Government will need to address members’ real concerns over the proposals as they currently stand.”
Alex added:
“The Government’s proposals for higher contributions of up to 50 per cent are unreasonable while the NHS pay freeze is ongoing and high inflation squeezes household budgets.
“It should also be remembered that the NHS pension schemes was reformed just three years ago and is both affordable now and sustainable in the future.
“Indeed, the NHS pension scheme contributed a £2billion surplus for the Treasury last year.”
The Government’s decision to switch the uprating measure for public sector pensions from RPI to CPI is expected to reduce the value of retirement funds by 10-15 per cent.
Replacing the existing final salary scheme with a career average one could also cut some NHS workers’ pensions by up to 25 per cent.
Physiotherapy staff will walk out of NHS and social enterprise workplaces on November 30 for one day, alongside colleagues from other trade unions.
The CSP will reach agreement with individual employers about emergency cover in preparation for any potential industrial action.
CSP members will be working to ensure that emergency cover and patient safety is maintained.
The full result for the ballot in England and Wales was:
Yes 11,123 (86 per cent)
No 1,808 (14 per cent)
Spoilt votes 19
Total votes 12,931
Turnout 65 per cent
The full result for the ballot in Scotland was:
Yes 1,618 (89.1 per cent)
No 198 (10.9 per cent)
Spoilt votes 1
Total 1,816
Turnout 74 per cent
For further media information please call the CSP press office on 020 7306 1111, email pressoffice@csp.org.uk. Out of hours please call Jon Ryan, media and PR officer on 07917 091200 or Paul Marston, media and PR officer, on 07966 994141.
- The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the UK’s professional, educational and trade union body. We have more than 50,000 members, including chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and assistants.
- CSP members were not balloted in Northern Ireland, but will be supporting the day of action in other ways.
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