Northern Ireland health department flip-flopping on childminding ratios risks child safety, Unite

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Unite the union NI

97 percent of registered child minders say change of date for new ratios will place more children in an unsafe, unregulated and illegal environments

After years of campaigning, Registered Child Minders (RCMs) in Unite have won an increase to childminding ratios but they are now calling on health minister Mike Nesbitt to intervene to ensure children are full protected during their introduction.

Earlier this month, the department announced the results of a consultation on new childminding ratios and that they would increase from 1 June. RCMs immediately started to take additional bookings from parents. However, following an unhelpful intervention by the Northern Ireland Childminders Association (NICMA), the department flip-flopped and changed the date for implementation to the 9 November meaning RCMs had to cancel child places. Continue reading →

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Ambulance dispute: Unite warns workers will return to picket lines in absence of meaningful progress

Posted on May 17, 2026 by unitetheunion

Unite, which represents members working for the National Ambulance Service (NAS), warned today (Sunday) that workers will return to the picket lines if meaningful progress is not made in Labour Court talks due to reconvene tomorrow.

Last week Unite and Siptu members working for the NAS engaged in a 24-hour stoppage as a result of management’s ongoing failure to implement the 2020 ‘Roles and Responsibilities Review’.

The qualifications, clinical responsibilities and operational duties of ambulance personnel have expanded significantly in recent years. Despite the fact that the ‘Roles and Responsibilities Review’ recommended enhanced pay scales to reflect the growing professionalisation of the service, those recommendations have not been implemented. In addition, a five per cent increase recommended under the Benchmarking II process has not been delivered.

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PTSB: Retention of branch network and workers’ terms and conditions critical to bank future

Posted on May 15, 2026 by unitetheunion

In their opinion on the proposed sale of PTSB to BAWAG submitted pursuant to Irish Takeover Panel rules, the PTSB Group of Unions (Unite, FSU and Mandate) have stressed that the bank’s viability as a strong competitor to the other two pillar banks depends on utilising the knowledge and professionalism  of its employees and retaining the existing branch network.

The Group of Unions also stressed that existing collectively negotiated terms and conditions must be protected going forward, pointing out that this is critical to ensuring that the bank retains vital skills and expertise and avoids destabilising staff turnover.

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Ambulance dispute: Strike action to proceed tomorrow

Posted on May 11, 2026 by unitetheunion

Resolution of dispute up to management as workers wait over six years for recognition

Trade union Unite, which represents members at the National Ambulance Service, has confirmed that members working as emergency medical technicians, paramedics, advanced paramedics, paramedic specialists and paramedic supervisors will engage in a 24-hour stoppage tomorrow from 08:00 tomorrow (Tuesday 12 May) to 08:00 on Wednesday.

Last month, Unite and Siptu members voted overwhelmingly for industrial action due to management’s ongoing failure to implement the 2020 ‘Roles and Responsibilities Review’.

The qualifications, clinical responsibilities and operational duties of ambulance personnel have expanded significantly in recent years. Despite the fact that the ‘Roles and Responsibilities Review’ recommended enhanced pay scales to reflect the growing professionalisation of the service, those recommendations have not been implemented.

In addition, a five per cent increase recommended under the Benchmarking II process has not been delivered.

Continue reading →

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National Ambulance Service: Industrial action begins Monday

Posted on May 9, 2026 by unitetheunion

Strike action set for Tuesday 12 May

Workers wait over six years for recognition of enhanced qualifications and responsibilities

Resolution of dispute in management’s hands

May 9th: Trade union Unite, which represents members working for the National Ambulance Service (NAS), said today (Saturday) that a work-to-rule will begin on Monday 11 May, followed by a 24-hour stoppage on Tuesday 12 May. Further stoppages are scheduled if the dispute is not resolved.

Last month, Unite and Siptu members voted overwhelmingly for industrial action due to management’s ongoing failure to implement the 2020 ‘Roles and Responsibilities Review’.

The qualifications, clinical responsibilities and operational duties of ambulance personnel have expanded significantly in recent years. Despite the fact that the ‘Roles and Responsibilities Review’ recommended enhanced pay scales to reflect the growing professionalisation of the service, those recommendations have not been implemented.

In addition, a five per cent increase recommended under the Benchmarking II process has not been delivered.

Continue reading →

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