RCN lodges formal dispute with Scottish Government in pay row
It's the first time the body has entered a formal trade union dispute with the Scottish Government
Last updated 23rd Jun 2021
Scotland's nurses are officially entering a formal trade union dispute with the Scottish Government and the NHS for the first time ever, as a row over pay escalates.
The Royal College of Nursing has already rejected a single year pay offer.
RCN says its concerned about the amount of members thinking of leaving the profession
The union says its members are exhausted and worrying numbers are thinking of leaving the job.
Bosses say they had “no choice” but to notify ministers of the dispute, amid “serious concerns” over the impact of wages on recruitment and retention in the profession.
Julie Lamberth, the chair of the RCN Scotland board, has written to Health Secretary Humza Yousaf.
It comes after the Scottish Government confirmed last month that the pay deal, which offers NHS workers an average increase of 4%, was being implemented immediately after most unions voted to accept it.
The wage rise - said by ministers to be the biggest pay uplift since devolution - applies to staff in the NHS apart from doctors, whose pay is negotiated separately.
RCN is calling for a 12.5% pay rise for staff
But the RCN has been campaigning for a 12.5% hike in wages, claiming nursing pay has failed to keep pace with the rising cost of living in recent years.
In her letter to the Health Secretary, Ms Lamberth said: “You have left us with no choice but to notify you of this dispute.
“The Scottish Government has relied on the good will of nursing staff for too long.
“For years, we have been responding to the challenge of delivering safe and effective patient care, in the face of increasing demands, staff shortages and low pay. These issues have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
“Nursing staff are exhausted, with worrying numbers considering leaving the profession.
“Every patient needs and deserves the best quality of care, this can only be safely achieved with the right number of nursing staff with the right skills and expertise.
“Today's action, writing to the Cabinet Secretary to lodge our trade dispute, is a formal expression of our members' frustration and concern for patient safety.
“We are sending a clear message that the time to value nursing as a safety-critical profession is now.”
Health Secretary "disappointed" by the move
Speaking to MFR News, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said he was “disappointed” at the move, and that the Scottish Government is already “putting its money where its mouth is”.
He said: “This is the best single year pay rise since devolution. Not only that but it’s coming off the back of the £500 thank you payment as well.
“We’ve had this discussion with all the trade unions that represent NHS staff. The majority have agreed to that pay deal.
“I’m disappointed that it’s come to this, but I’m happy to speak to the RCN one to one to hear their concerns further.”