Tayside pharmacy support workers will remain on the picket line after talks between Unite the Union and the NHS collapsed this week.
An appeals process was under way to resolve a dispute relating to what Unite described as a “flawed job evaluation process”, leaving some workers on a “lower grade than they should be”.
It was hoped an agreement could be reached by Wednesday but NHS Tayside has been unable to secure enough panellists for the process to go ahead.
Susan Robertson, Unite’s regional industrial officer, said: “This really is beyond belief and a complete and utter farce.
“Pharmacy support workers are furious and it’s clear to us that NHS Tayside did not intend to deliver the Job Evaluation Panel’s findings.
“From day one NHS Tayside has tried to wriggle out of their commitment to an independent process at every opportunity.
“Pharmacy support workers were ready to go back to work fully expecting to be awarded the banding grade they deserve.
“Instead, because of NHS Tayside’s incompetence, they will remain on the picket line.”
George Doherty, Director of Workforce for NHS Tayside, said the circumstances were beyond anybody’s control, as panellists take part on a voluntary basis, in addition to their regular jobs.
“NHS Tayside has always sought to avoid any industrial action and we remain committed to working with Unite to secure a resolution to the dispute.
“This two-part process started on Monday and it was hoped that a final outcome would be reached this week.
“It was clearly understood by all parties that there was only a limited number of panellists available who could undertake this work and staffside panellists can choose to take part as this is an extra task in addition to their normal jobs.
“Unfortunately, due to circumstances outwith the control of NHS Tayside and Unite, we have been unable to secure the required participation of panellists in the second part of the process.
“Therefore NHS Tayside has now asked for expert national guidance from the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee (STAC) on the appropriate next steps in line with national frameworks agreed with all NHS trade unions.”
