Summer Strikes for RCN Wales Nurses
The RCN Wales have announced that their members have voted to reject the latest pay offer, with 46.79% in favour and 53.21% opposed. Following the results of the ballot, which took place between 24 April and 10 May, the union have announced plans for further strikes in the summer.
Urgent calls have been made for the government to reopen negotiations immediately, and a letter has been sent to Minister for Health & Social Services, Eluned Morgan, in the hope that a deal can be reached. Failing that, strikes are planned for 6 and 7 June and 12 and 13 July.
Helen Whyley, Director, RCN Wales, said: “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.”
Members went on strike for two days in December 2022, and fierce negotiations followed in 2023. Their strike mandate was extended in April 2023, allowing members the right to lawfully strike until 1 August 2023.
The planned summer strikes will be in place for the duration of the day shift on each day, with the RCN Wales stating that derogations would be “tighter” than the previous ones in place during the December 2022 strike action, with some previously exempt areas now expected be part of the upcoming strike.
A spokesperson for RCN Wales told Nursing Times: "Members in areas like oncology and A&E may very well be striking this time around.”
Helen Whyley also said: “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.”