Latest news with #JamesO'Connell
Rhyl Journal
15-05-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Unite members accept 8% NHS pay deal
The deal will see a 4.25% rise this year and a 3.75% uplift next year for staff, including those in the ambulance service, estates and porters, costing the Scottish Government an extra £191 million. It also features an 'inflation guarantee', which would ensure pay increases will always stay at least 1% above the Consumer Price Index rate. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Unite members across NHS Scotland have accepted the pay offer over two years on the basis it is the best negotiable deal. 'It's a pay deal which ultimately helps us build better jobs, pay and conditions for workers across the NHS.' James O'Connell, the union's lead negotiator for the health sector, warned that any attempts to row back on the commitment to keeping pay deals above inflation would see members balloted for strike action. 'Unite delivered a credible pay offer for our valued NHS workers which they have overwhelmingly supported,' he said. 'The offer includes a critical clause which ensures pay remains inflation proof. 'If there is any attempt to renege on this clause then Unite will automatically hold an industrial action ballot. 'The challenges facing NHS Scotland are not just about pay but the wider working conditions and extra investment. 'The Scottish Government and NHS executives must resolve the reduction in the working week as previously agreed to. Our members are exhausted and beyond breaking point.' Health Secretary Neil Gray said: 'I am pleased that Unite members have voted overwhelmingly to accept this pay offer. 'If accepted by trade unions collectively, this means that Unite members in NHS Scotland will continue to benefit from the best reward package in the UK. 'I hope all other healthcare staff who will benefit from this pay offer choose to accept.' The announcement comes as the Royal College of Midwives also accepted the Scottish Government's offer this week.
The Herald Scotland
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Unite members across Scotland accept NHS pay deal
It also features an 'inflation guarantee', which would ensure pay increases will always stay at least 1% above the Consumer Price Index rate. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'Unite members across NHS Scotland have accepted the pay offer over two years on the basis it is the best negotiable deal. 'It's a pay deal which ultimately helps us build better jobs, pay and conditions for workers across the NHS.' READ MORE: James O'Connell, the union's lead negotiator for the health sector, warned that any attempts to row back on the commitment to keeping pay deals above inflation would see members balloted for strike action. 'Unite delivered a credible pay offer for our valued NHS workers which they have overwhelmingly supported,' he said. 'The offer includes a critical clause which ensures pay remains inflation proof. 'If there is any attempt to renege on this clause then Unite will automatically hold an industrial action ballot. 'The challenges facing NHS Scotland are not just about pay but the wider working conditions and extra investment. 'The Scottish Government and NHS executives must resolve the reduction in the working week as previously agreed to. Our members are exhausted and beyond breaking point.' The announcement comes as the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) also accepted the Scottish Government's offer this week. Responding to the decision by midwives, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: 'I am pleased that RCM members have voted overwhelmingly to accept this pay offer. 'If accepted by trade unions collectively, this means that midwives in NHS Scotland will continue to benefit from the best reward package in the UK. 'I hope all other healthcare staff who will benefit from this pay offer choose to accept.'
Fox News
24-03-2025
- General
- Fox News
Video shows 'highly skilled' pilot's final moments before fatal air show crash
A "highly skilled" pilot's final moments were captured on video before he died in a crash at an air show in South Africa over the weekend. The fatal incident involving James O'Connell unfolded Saturday at the Saldanha Bay Airfield outside of Cape Town. Footage showed a plane performing an aerial maneuver before crashing into the ground, generating a fireball and drawing screams from those in attendance. "It is with profound sadness that the organizers of the West Coast Airshow confirm a fatal accident involving James O'Connell, a highly skilled and respected test pilot from South Africa, when he piloted the Impala Mark 1 aircraft during today's display in Saldanha," the event's organizers said in a statement. "Mr. O'Connell was performing a routine display intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the Impala Mark 1 – a beloved warbird with deep historical significance for many South Africans – it was especially a huge moment because the Impala has not been seen performing at airshows for many years," they added. "The maneuvers were being executed as part of the official airshow program, witnessed by thousands of spectators." Video of the incident showed a cloud of black smoke rising up into the sky following the crash. "He rolled the aircraft... he turned the aircraft, the undercarriage was up. On coming out of it, one could clearly see that he was losing height," airshow commentator Brian Emmenis was quoted by the organizers as saying. "He went out toward the hangars – he was at that stage in a serious deep dive – and he went straight into the ground. There was no sign of an attempt to eject." "Emergency services responded immediately, the crowd remained behind the barriers, totally stunned, and medical attention was handed to the crowd," he added. No spectators were injured in the crash, and the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Show South Africa are now investigating. "The organizers extend their deepest condolences to Mr. O'Connell's family, friends and aviation colleagues," they added.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Video shows deadly plane explosion at South Africa air show
STORY: :: Maritha Wagner/TMX :: March 22, 2025 :: Eyewitness video shows a plane exploding into a fireball at an air show in South Africa :: Saldanha, South Africa :: The pilot died in the crash but no spectators were harmed, according to the organizers An Impala Mark 1 aircraft was seen performing a routine display over spectators at the air show, before the plane nose dived to the ground, crashing in a huge fireball. Reuters was able to independently verify the location by the building structures, and airport layout seen in the video that matched file and satellite imagery. Reuters was able to verify the date of the video from the statement released by the organizers of West Coast Air Show 2025. The plane was piloted by South African pilot James O' Connell, and appeared stable through most of the performance, according to a statement by the event organizer. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, and all spectators escaped unharmed, the statement added.
Daily Tribune
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Pilot Dies in Tragic Crash at South African Air Show
A pilot has tragically lost his life after his plane spiralled out of control and crashed during a performance at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, South Africa. The incident occurred on Saturday, approximately 70 miles (110 km) north of Cape Town. Eyewitnesses and video footage captured the horrifying moment as the aircraft spun uncontrollably mid-air before plummeting to the ground. The crash occurred while the pilot, identified as James O'Connell, was performing a routine display. In a heartfelt statement posted on social media, the organisers of the West Coast Air Show confirmed the fatality, expressing their deep sorrow. "It is with profound sadness that the organisers of the West Coast Airshow confirm a fatal accident involving James O'Connell, a highly skilled and respected test pilot from South Africa," the statement read. O'Connell, who was well-known in the aviation community, had been performing a display meant to showcase the capabilities of the Impala Mark 1, a historic warplane that holds significant sentimental value for many South Africans. The aircraft's appearance at air shows had been a rare and much-anticipated event, adding to the poignancy of the moment. The display was part of the official air show programme, with thousands of spectators in attendance. While the plane appeared to be under control throughout most of the manoeuvres, eyewitnesses reported that it suddenly lost altitude during one of the final moves, entering a steep dive before crashing. The air show organisers and the aviation community are mourning the loss of O'Connell, who was known for his professionalism and skill in the cockpit.
