Nurses in the East to vote on whether to strike over pay: "Something has to change"
If its members support strike action, it will be the first ever strike by RCN members in England
Nurses will start voting next month on whether to strike over pay in what is being described as a "defining moment" for the profession.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said it will be recommending hundreds of thousands of its members support industrial action in a ballot that opens in mid-September.
The postal ballot will ask RCN members working for the NHS in England and Wales on Agenda for Change contracts if they will take strike action which involves a complete withdrawal of labour.
It will open on Thursday 15th September for four weeks.
If its members support strike action, it will be the first ever strike by RCN members in England or Wales.
Tony Durcan is the RCN Senior Officer for the East: "This is the first time that we, as nurses, have been asked, seriously, to take a ballot of industrial strike action.
"We do that with a heavy heart, but we're doing it because the government has ignored the important role that nurses have in the NHS today...
"We're asking every nurse in the RCN to take part in the ballot and give a strong message to the government that enough is enough, and industrial strike action is the only way we can get our voice heard, and a resolution to the appalling situation in the NHS."
The RCN also announced it has increased its industrial action strike fund to £50 million, up from £35 million, to provide financial support towards lost earnings during strikes.
The college has called for a pay rise for nursing staff of 5% above RPI inflation, which is currently 11.8%.
Tony added: "Nurses do want a decent pay award and they want an increase above inflation. It's their right and they deserve it because they're hardworking and dedicated.
"They also want to send a very clear message: that we're sick and tired of having to come on shift and say 'sorry' because we cannot deliver the services, care and compassion that we want.
"Something has to change."
Last month the Government announced a pay award the RCN said leaves an experienced nurse more than £1,000 worse off in real terms, describing it as "a national disgrace".
RCN officials said industrial strike action was a last resort, but the current NHS staffing crisis was causing "unacceptable risk" to patients and staff.
Tony said the crisis was a key reason for a strike: "Everybody knows in the NHS we've got a staffing crisis. That's going to get worse before it gets better.
"Part of the anger of nurses is the fact that these issues are being ignored by the government."
Pat Cullen, RCN general secretary, said: "Nursing staff will stop at nothing to protect their patients.
"Staff shortages are putting patient safety at risk and the Government's failure to listen has left us with no choice but to advocate for strike action.
"A lifetime of service must never mean a lifetime of poverty. Ministers' refusal to recognise the skill and responsibility of the job is pushing people out of the profession.
"The next prime minister must change course urgently."
Carol Popplestone, who chairs the RCN Council, said in a message to members: "After years of underpayment and staff shortages, the fight for fair pay must strengthen.
"This year's pay award does not help you with the rising cost of living. It will do nothing to help to recruit or retain more nursing staff where you work and will not keep patients safe."