Health visitors in Cwm Taf have been awarded a pay rise after nine months of strike action, one of the longest spells of industrial action in Welsh NHS history. The deal, announced by Unite, guarantees that all band 6 health visitors in Cwm Taf Morgannwg (CTM) will be offered a band 7 role with additional responsibilities and accountabilities beyond the existing band 6 role.
Long-running dispute over pay grading
Staff from Unite went on strike in February over pay, speaking of their continued distress at not being able to help families. They have been protesting at the Senedd on an almost weekly basis. The action resulted in tens of thousands of missed appointments in the health board area.
Health visitors in the region, who meet with families on regular visits from birth to three-and-a-half years, said they were only being paid as band six workers despite internal job grading now matching them as a band seven, a difference of up to £9,000.
Deal reached and return to work
As part of the deal, eligible health visitors will also receive a one-off resolution payment, subject to the conditions and approvals set out in the final agreement. Around 100 striking health visitors, all Unite members, will return to work on Monday, November 16.
There was pressure on Welsh Government to force the health board to resolve the action, but it said it would not be able to intervene in the dispute. Plaid leader, and First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth was criticised by some union members who said they felt his party had broken pre-election promises to end the strike.
Union and health board responses
Unite national officer for health Richard Munn said: "Our members have shown extraordinary resilience and commitment to their profession. They have sacrificed a great deal to defend the value of health visiting, and they have been vindicated."
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is a magnificent victory for our health visitor members in Cwm Taf Morgannwg. For nine long months these women stood firm on the picket line, and they have won, through their solidarity and sheer determination."
Chief executive of Cwm Taf, Paul Mears, said: "We welcome this resolution and the opportunity to move forward together. This new and enhanced specialist health visitor role will strengthen our service and help us respond effectively to the needs of local families, while recognising the concerns raised by Unite on behalf of its members."
The new role will be developed in partnership between the health board, staff and unions. Once agreed, eligible health visitors will be able to transition into the new Band 7 role from January 1, 2027. It will only apply to Cwm Taf.
