Majority of nurses in Wales ballot would support strike action
RCN Wales say nurses are leaving the profession because they feel "disrespected and devalued"
Nurses in Wales are a step closer to strike action.
Just over half of nurses in Wales who took part in a Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales ballot on strike action would support it.
Their opinions will be used in considering the next steps in a row over pay
Over the past month, members have been asked to vote in an indicative ballot carried out by independent scrutineer, Civica.
In Wales, 29.1% of eligible members took part in the ballot, and 90.6% of those backed action short of a strike and 55.9 % supported strike action.
The result of the indicative ballot does not formally authorise industrial action. The RCN’s elected members will use the ballot result to consider the next steps in the campaign for fair pay.
In a previous ballot, RCN members in Wales a significant majority deemed the pay award unacceptable.
RCN Wales Director, Helen Whyley said:
“This result shows the strength of feeling in the nursing profession. The Welsh Government cannot keep blaming Westminster for the decisions it makes on funding NHS nurses pay.
“Poor pay leads to unfilled nursing posts and that means patients don’t get the care they deserve. We will not give up until safe and effective nursing care is respected and protected. We will keep campaigning for ourselves, our profession, and our patients.”
RCN Wales Board Chair, Richard Jones MBE said:
“Nursing staff don’t consider industrial action lightly but they must stand up for the safety of patients.
“We are missing 1719 registered nurse alone in the NHS in Wales. To reduce the risk to patients, the Welsh Government needs to keep nurses working in the NHS instead of shrugging their shoulders when more and more nurses leave because they feel disrespected and devalued.
“The public want the Welsh government to prioritise safe patient care - that's why 2487 people have signed our petition to extend safe staffing legislation.”