The Government will face another wave of strike action if pay talks do not open within 48 hours, the RCN has warned.
If the UK government fails to respond within 48 hours of today’s strike ending, the RCN says it will be forced to announce further strike dates for January 2023.
Nursing staff began strike action on 15 December, but the UK government and its Health Secretary Steve Barclay failed to open pay negotiations following the first strike.
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‘The Prime Minister should ask himself what is motivating nursing staff to stand outside their hospitals for a second day so close to Christmas,’ said Pat Cullen, chief executive of the RCN.
‘They’re prepared to sacrifice a day’s pay to have their concerns heard. Their determination stems as much from worries over patient safety and the future of the NHS than personal hardship.’
RCN Scotland are planning for strike action in the NHS after members in Scotland rejected a revised pay offer. An overwhelming 82% of members who voted rejected the offer in the consultative ballot which closed at midday on Monday.
‘“It was the right thing to ask our members whether to accept or reject this offer. It directly affects their lives and each eligible member needed to be given the chance to have their say. And the result could not be clearer – we have forcefully rejected what the Scottish government said is its ‘best and final’ offer,’ said Julie Lamberth, RCN Scotland Board Chair.
‘Make no mistake - we do not want to go on strike. Years of being undervalued and understaffed have left us feeling we have no alternative because enough is enough. The ball is in Scottish government’s court if strike action is going to be avoided.’