RCN to ballot members on strike action for first time ever
Leading nursing union says move is 'unprecedented'
Last updated 31st Jul 2019
The Royal College of Nursing has voted to ballot members on industrial action and strike, for the first time in its history.
It comes after a board meeting on Monday when board members made the 'unprecedented move.'
There had been ongoing uncertainty over whether a deal could be reached between the Department of Health and Royal College of Nursing officials.
Director of the Royal College of Nursing in Northern Ireland Pat Cullen said the decision was not taken lightly:
"The decision that was made by the Northern Ireland board...wasn't an easy decision," she said.
"It was taken with a very careful head and much consideration because in 103 years in the Royal College of Nursing, nurses have never moved to this position."
According to the union, there are currently 2,600 unfilled nursing posts across Northern Ireland, with a similar level of vacancies estimated in nursing homes.
It also claims the real value of nurses’ pay in Northern Ireland has fallen by 15% over the last eight years, whilst the cost of securing nursing staff via nursing agencies has increased to an all-time high of £32 million in 2017-2018.
The Department described the move as 'disappointing.'
In a statement, a spokesperson said: "The Department takes seriously the concerns from the RCN membership regarding appropriate nurse staffing in all services provided to people who require nursing care.
"We highly value the nursing workforce and the Department is committed to doing everything it can, within the current budget constraints, to ensure a fair pay award settlement this year for nurses and indeed the entire HSC workforce.
"The Department has proactively been addressing the nursing shortages through a range of measures to rebuild the nursing workforce in Northern Ireland, significantly, increasing investment in pre-registration training from 709 places in 2015/16 to an all-time high of 1025 places in 2019/20.
"We are therefore disappointed at the RCN’s announcement, particularly as talks on the refresh of Agenda for Change pay, terms and conditions are continuing with HSC employers and trade unions, including the RCN.
"The Department remains engaged in this process and, as ever, is willing to talk with trade unions at any time."