Hundreds of thousands of nursing staff in England and Wales will soon have the chance to vote on whether to take strike action.
The RCN is urging members working for the NHS in England and Wales, on Agenda for Change contracts, to vote in favour of strike action. Eligible members will receive their ballot in the post and will have four weeks to respond, with the vote closing on 13 October.
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‘Nursing staff will stop at nothing to protect their patients. Staff shortages are putting patient safety at risk and the Government’s failure to listen has left us with no choice but to advocate for strike action,’ said RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Pat Cullen.
‘A lifetime of service must never mean a lifetime of poverty. Ministers’ refusal to recognise the skill and responsibility of the job is pushing people out of the profession. The next prime minister must change course urgently.’
If enough members vote for industrial action, it will be the first time in RCN history that members in England and Wales have gone on strike. RCN Council, made up of elected members, has increased the strike fund to £50 million (up from £35 million) to provide some financial support to members who lose earnings during any industrial action.
‘After years of underpayment and staff shortages, the fight for fair pay must strengthen. Your vote in the upcoming ballot will be essential to turning the tide on low pay,’ said Carol Popplestone, Chair of RCN Council.
‘Please urgently check we have your up-to-date home addresses and employer details so you can cast your vote. This year’s pay award does not help you with the rising cost of living. It will do nothing to help to recruit or retain more nursing staff where you work and will not keep patients safe.’