Open letter to First Minister published ahead of workers' demo at the Senedd

Striking health visitors in Wales have written an open letter to Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth calling on the Plaid government to honour its pre-election promises and bring the long-running dispute to an end.

Unite members at the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University health board (CTMUHB) have been on continuous strike since February over their employer's refusal to recognise their skills and experience and pay them at the correct pay band. This intransigence is currently costing them £9000 per year in lost pay.

Before the Welsh Senedd elections in May, Plaid Cymru supported the health visitors campaign and promised to end the dispute if they formed a government. Now in power, Plaid has yet to make good on its commitment and continues to pass the buck back and forth with CTMUHB.

Now, in an open letter published in Welsh media, health visitors are calling on Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth to honour his promises and bring the dispute to an end and ensure the workers are paid the correct salary.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Health visitors have been forced to strike by an employer who refuses to pay them the correct salary.

"Unite is calling on Plaid Cymru to honour its promise it made to bring the dispute to an end. Otherwise, the question has to be asked, did Plaid lie?"

Striking health visitors will be making their anger towards their employer and frustration with the Welsh government heard on Wednesday as they march on the Senedd. Media are invited for video, photo and interview opportunities.

Where: Senedd building, Pierhead St, Cardiff CF99 1SN

When: 11:00 Tuesday September 2026

Unite regional officer Paul Seppman added: "Our members have taken industrial action as a final resort after their health board refused to pay them fairly. Strikes are impacting the lives of children and their families but this is a direct result of the health board refusing to pay its workers fairly.

"The health board continues to make excuses and now Plaid Cymru is dragging its feet. Our members are making it clear it needs to act now."