Ms Ashley Connolly:

The pay and numbers strategy was being spoken about for a number of months. On three different occasions the collective group of unions sought engagement in advance of that strategy being finalised. The only response we received was that they would take that away and give consideration to our request. In July we were sent a link to attend a meeting. We were notified the Friday before, I think, that the meeting would take place on the Tuesday. We read in the papers over that weekend what the pay and numbers strategy was. We were met on the Tuesday morning and it was a fait accompli. Despite our numerous requests for engagement there was none. We are on record seeking that engagement.