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RCN Wales announces further strike action after members reject latest NHS pay offer in Wales
RCN Wales has written to the Minister for Health & Social Services, Eluned Morgan, seeking to urgently re-enter negotiations.
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The results of the consultative ballot, which took place between 24 April and 10 May are:
- 46.79% accept
- 53.21% % reject.
The vote comes after members forced the Welsh government to re-open negotiations earlier this year, resulting in an improved pay offer for 2022/23 and a new pay offer for 2023/24.
The RCN has called for the Welsh government to urgently return to the negotiating table and, unless a resolution is found, will take strike action on 6 and 7 June and 12 and 13 July.
Strike action will run for the duration of the day shift on each day and derogations will be tighter than those in place during strike action in December 2022. All members employed where there is a mandate to strike will be called on to take strike action on these days.
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.”
The RCN Wales consultation on the NHS pay offer for staff on Agenda for Change contracts opened on 24 April and closed at 9am today (10 May). It followed two days of strike action in December 2022 and intensive negotiations earlier this year. RCN Wales’ mandate to take strike action was extended in April, meaning members can take lawful strike action until 1 August 2023.
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If you are interested in helping out with planning and organising strike action at your workplace, head over to the RCN Strike Hub to see how you can get involved.
