08/10/2025
❗️Calling all Theatre Support Workers ❗️
Our theatre support worker (TSW) UNISON member colleagues across the Health Board are looking forward to receiving a boost in their pay this month!
After a Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign that started last year, the Health Board has agreed that the vital work the TSWs do is a Band 3 role, whereas for years they had been paid at Band 2.
A respect and resolution was submitted to the Health Board and meetings were held with the Chief Executive and the Executive Director of Workforce & Organisational Development, along with other senior managers. Workplace representatives from each hospital involved worked with UNISON Branch officers to write an updated job description which was evaluated at Band 3, and the respect and resolution was upheld.
Staff who signed the respect and resolution have received a backdated payment recognising their service at Band 3 for up to 5 years (pro-rata) and will be paid as a Band 3 from 1st January 2025. Theatre Support Workers have said that they are delighted to receive these payments, but the real win for them is recognition of their work and feeling valued and respected by their employer.
Congratulations to our Theatre Support Workers – you have stood together and won what you deserve!
What’s next – and how can you get involved?
Although the payment and re-banding is only for those who were part of the respect and resolution and meet the criteria, ABUHB has committed to carrying out a review of the Theatre Support Worker roles across the Health Board in the next 6 months. UNISON will be engaging with this to ensure that UNISON members are fully involved.
Across Wales, UNISON has been leading the fight to secure a Joint Trade Union agreement with NHS Wales employers. An All-Wales deal would ensure that every Band 2 Health Care Support Worker doing Band 3 work got paid fairly for the vital care they provide.
We were hopeful that an All-Wales agreement would be reached last month. Unfortunately, progress has been delayed by NHS Wales Employers and the Welsh Government. That’s why UNISON is now preparing to submit a collective grievance on behalf of all Band 2 Health Care Support Workers in ABUHB.
This is your chance to be part of a powerful movement demanding recognition and respect for your work.
If you’re a Band 2 Health Care Support Worker, email the branch office - abb.unisonoffice@wales.nhs.uk - with your details to be included in the grievance. As a UNISON member, you’ll benefit from the experience and success that the branch has gained by supporting TSWs through this process.
