Industrial action could be taken by pharmacy support workers at NHS Tayside.
A ballot will open today by Unite the Union for industrial action and action short of a strike.
NHS Tayside has been accused of keeping pharmacy support workers in its hospitals on a lower pay grade than it should.
Action and an overtime ban would begin early next month.
The dispute centres around NHS Tayside’s job evaluation scheme and grading issues and an alleged failure to follow processes agreed with trade unions.
Susan Robertson, Unite regional industrial officer, said: “Despite several job evaluations NHS Tayside has failed to acknowledge the duties carried out by pharmacy support workers.
“This dedicated and professional group of workers are currently at a lower grade than they should be.
“Unite has launched repeated appeals and grievances but our members’ concerns have been ignored.
“Pharmacy support workers have done everything asked of them throughout this flawed process.
“They have provided overwhelming evidence to substantiate a higher pay grade yet this has been blocked at every turn by NHS Tayside.
“This is not simply about money it is about respect and recognition for the crucial work done within NHS Tayside hospitals.”
NHS Tayside director of workforce George Doherty said: “NHS Tayside has been advised by Unite the Union of its intention to ballot Pharmacy Support Workers on industrial action.
“The union has raised an issue relating to the grading process of Agenda for Change Band 2 Pharmacy Support Workers in Tayside. This post was evaluated through the process agreed under the NHS Tayside Agenda for Change (AFC) framework, which was developed with all our trades unions and professional organisations, including Unite.
“While we are disappointed at Unite’s decision to ballot members on industrial action, we are assured that the Pharmacy Support Workers’ review has been dealt with fairly and appropriately in partnership through the Agenda for Change process, agreed both locally and nationally.
“We remain committed to partnership working with all trades unions and professional organisations and would encourage Unite to return to working in partnership.”
