Strike action dominated the discussion on the final day of RCN Congress 2015.
During the final day of debates, Carl Frith, from the RCN Greater Glasgow Branch, asked nurses whether they should strike.
The debates were fairly balanced between for and against, with those who spoke for strike action just exceeding those who were against by around 7.
Those speakers in favour of strike action stated that nurses had used every other option and that the Government had so far failed to listen. Andrea Spyropoulos, past president of the RCN, said: 'We have tried all alternative methods of negotiation but they haven't got us anywhere. They are coming for our terms and conditions, they are coming for our pay. Do they have to come and take our children before we do anything?'
Uwem Otong said: 'Evil succeeds when good men sit back and do nothing. If strike action is well managed then it can ensure the best outcome for both nurses and patients.'
Many of the speakers for strike action referenced the fact that nurses were relying on food banks and credits cards to make ends meet.
Those speaking against strike action voiced concerns that there was simply not enough nursing staff to both go on strike action and remain in the workplace to ensure patient care.
They also suggested it went against everything they had learnt as nurses: to be kind and compassionate.
Sue Boyd and Dave Dawes suggested that the RCN set up a strike fund to cover nurses should they decide to go on strike.
Celia Manson also raised the issue of participation. Should the RCN decide to ballot for strike action, all RCN members must engage in the vote, she said. 'Unity and solidarity in nursing is everything.'
There were 32 speakers for this matter of discussion, which exceeded speakers in many of the debates before this one.