Scotland's nurses pause strike action following talks between RCN and government
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was at Friday's negotiations
Last updated 14th Jan 2023
Strike action by Scotland’s nurses has been paused following further talks with the Scottish Government.
Negotiations took place on Friday with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the Royal College of Nursing’s general secretary and chief executive, Pat Cullen.
The RCN said that the overwhelming mandate for strike action from its members in Scotland was instrumental in securing further negotiations.
It follows a previous meeting between government officials and members from the RCN, the Royal College of Midwives and the GMB after which the RCM said it was “cautiously optimistic" about reaching a deal.
The Scottish Government’s proposals included accelerated negotiations on the 2023 pay offer and an extra payment for staff.
The unions previously rejected an offer of a 7.5 percent rise, but it’s hoped a deal can be made in the coming weeks.
If an agreement is reached, the pay increase would be backdated to January.
Strike action still possible
Ms Cullen, from the RCN, said: "The Scottish Government has shown a willingness to return to the negotiating table and to act to address the nursing workforce crisis.
"The pressure from our members has been key to these negotiations moving forward.
"We need to see this process through in good faith.
"Our members in Scotland are being listened to and the First Minister is in no doubt that we will take strike action if the proposals being outlined do not deliver a significant improvement by the end of February."
Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland director said: "Our members have said enough is enough and that was before the current pressures, trying to care for patients and keep services running.
"While the Scottish government repeated their assertion that there is no more money for NHS pay in 2022/23, the strong mandate from RCN members led to the positive discussions this week and the commitment to keep negotiating.
"The Scottish government needs to do more and to take this opportunity to do the right thing, for nursing and for patients.
"These new pay negotiations must acknowledge the safety critical role of nursing."
Jaki Lambert, director of Scotland at the RCM, said: "Our members have consistently told us that they feel neither seen nor valued by the Scottish Government, and the previous pay offers have done little to dissuade them of this view.
"We are grateful to the Cabinet Secretary that he has acknowledged this and has committed to finding a meaningful solution to this dispute.
"Midwives and MSWs do an incredible job supporting women and families, but all too often they are doing so against the odds.
"We are hopeful that this is a turning point in the dispute which, yes, is focused on pay, but is just as much about the conditions our members have to work in.
"Getting to this point has been difficult, and I'm incredibly proud of our members who are prepared to stand firm for what they believe in.”