Nurses to strike after RCN Wales members reject government pay offer
The union say it's after a 'clear majority' turned down what was put on the table
Nurses in Wales have rejected a new NHS Pay Offer - with the Royal College of Nursing saying there'll be more walkouts next month.
The union say it's after a 'clear majority' turned down the pay offer on the table, with the latest set of strikes described as a 'last resort', with nursing staff taking 'the momentous decision to strike for fair pay and safe staffing levels.'
Just last month, the union said the pay offer which was put on the table falls short of inflation and does not address the concerns of its members over the cost of living.
However, it described the offer as a "significant improvement" on what was previously proposed by the Welsh Government.
In the latest results of the ballot, 53.21% of voters rejected the deal - and the union has now written to Minister for Health & Social Services Eluned Morgan to urgently re-start negotiations on the pay deal.
Helen Whyley, Director, RCN Wales, said: “Nursing staff took the momentous decision to strike for fair pay and safe staffing levels. We need a substantial offer from the Welsh government that reflects the magnitude of that decision.
“Today, we have heard our members loud and clear, and this latest decision only makes us more determined as a college to secure a meaningful and acceptable pay offer for the future of the profession. Nursing staff always act in interests of their patients, and they are the true ambassadors for our NHS. The government must act in their interest now, because protecting nursing protects the public.
“I have asked for pay talks to be opened immediately with the Minister, so that our members do not need to return to picket lines. Strike action is always a last resort, but we have been pushed here yet again. If talks aren’t forthcoming, we won’t hesitate to strike, with stronger strike action than we’ve seen before.”
Just last month, Eluned Morgan, minister for health and social services in the Welsh government, said most unions would be recommending accepting the offer of pay rises for 2022/23 and 2023/24 which were put on the table - the very same offer which has now been rejected by RCN members.
RCN Wales members are set to walk out on June 6-7 and July 12-13.
Read more: NHS workers in Wales to be balloted on new pay offer