Armstrong backs fair pay for healthcare workers

ULSTER Unionist MLA., Diana Armstrong, has called for urgent action to ensure healthcare workers in Northern Ireland receive the 2025/26 pay award they deserve.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said: "Our healthcare workers are there for us around the clock, caring for our loved ones when they’re sick or injured.

"It’s a tough job, often thankless and it takes a real toll, emotionally, physically, and mentally.

"No one feels the strain on our health system more than those on the front line, our nurses, and our doctors.

"Even when resources are stretched thin, it’s these dedicated people who keep everything going."

She continued: "Since 1948, through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and right up to today, healthcare staff have played a vital role in keeping our families and friends healthy.

"They deserve more than applause or a few words of praise online. What they really need is fair pay.

"That’s the least we can do for people who put themselves on the line to save lives.

"We can’t let their hard work go unrecognised or unrewarded.

“This can’t just be another empty promise or a line in a speech. It needs to happen now. We can’t afford to wait any longer.

“Northern Ireland faces a choice, Do we stick with a broken system that short-changes staff, leaves patients waiting, and lets down our workforce, or do we act.

"The Executive must approve Minister Nesbitt’s Direction, affirm pay parity, and show our healthcare workers that we stand with them”.

"It’s simple, our health workers here in Northern Ireland do the same jobs as their colleagues in London, Cardiff, and Glasgow.

"They shoulder the same responsibilities. They deserve the same pay".