Tonight, the UK government has confirmed it will take the RCN to court over planned strike action on Tuesday 2 May.
Earlier today, the government confirmed it would no longer challenge the full 48 hours of strike action as a letter from Health Secretary Steve Barclay had suggested on Friday 21 April.
Since RCN members declined the government NHS pay offer ten days ago, the nursing union has sought fresh negotiations with government.
The RCN is also preparing to ballot members next month on a second six-month strike mandate from June to December 2023.
In an email to RCN members working for the NHS in England tonight, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, said:
“Tonight, the threat sadly became a reality. We told the government that this is wrong and indefensible. The only way to deal with bullies is to stand up to them – including in court.
“Before the end of the week, the court will decide whether to support this government’s use of draconian anti-Trade Union legislation.
“If the government succeeds in silencing members like you and convinces the court to stop part of our strike, then we’ll have no choice but to cut it short. Our strike action has always been safe and legal. We would never ask our members to do anything unsafe or against your professional code.
“It’s so wrong for the government to use taxpayers' money to drag our profession through the courts. We’re determined to show that the nursing profession is strong and determined and defend our members' right to strike.”
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