Reactions from members were mixed to our news last week that we were pausing the announcement of strike dates in Scotland because the Scottish government had made a proposal for further negotiations. Some members were supportive, however, it’s fair to say that the majority who did get in touch via email, through social media and with me personally expressed their frustration at the news.
I fully understand that frustration, especially in the week that strikes have taken place in England. But with the new negotiations opening today in Scotland, I wanted to take the opportunity to say why we believe this is the right approach at this time.
Negotiations are the preferable way to resolve disputes. We have consistently called strike action the ‘last resort’ for good reason. Our RCN Chief Executive and General Secretary Pat Cullen has frequently offered to pause strike action across the UK if governments agree to enter meaningful negotiations. So far, the other governments have wilfully ignored those calls.
The positive for us is that the Scottish government remains willing to negotiate on pay and there is no doubt that it is the strength of the strike mandate in Scotland that has brought them back to the table.
We must take full advantage and try to achieve a significantly better offer as well as a review of Agenda for Change that the Scottish government included in its proposal for the negotiations. The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and the Deputy First Minister have indicated they understand the need to recognise and reward nurses and have been left in no doubt about the need for action on the nursing workforce crisis now and in the longer term.
But we do all this in the full knowledge that the very strong mandate for strike action remains in place. The Scottish government has been left under no illusion that if it shows any signs of stalling or dragging its heels on the timetable agreed – the aim is to complete the negotiations by the end of February - we will not only set dates but take strike action.
I fully understand that frustration, especially in the week that strikes have taken place in England. But with the new negotiations opening today in Scotland, I wanted to take the opportunity to say why we believe this is the right approach at this time.
Negotiations are the preferable way to resolve disputes. We have consistently called strike action the ‘last resort’ for good reason. Our RCN Chief Executive and General Secretary Pat Cullen has frequently offered to pause strike action across the UK if governments agree to enter meaningful negotiations. So far, the other governments have wilfully ignored those calls.
The positive for us is that the Scottish government remains willing to negotiate on pay and there is no doubt that it is the strength of the strike mandate in Scotland that has brought them back to the table.
We must take full advantage and try to achieve a significantly better offer as well as a review of Agenda for Change that the Scottish government included in its proposal for the negotiations. The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and the Deputy First Minister have indicated they understand the need to recognise and reward nurses and have been left in no doubt about the need for action on the nursing workforce crisis now and in the longer term.
But we do all this in the full knowledge that the very strong mandate for strike action remains in place. The Scottish government has been left under no illusion that if it shows any signs of stalling or dragging its heels on the timetable agreed – the aim is to complete the negotiations by the end of February - we will not only set dates but take strike action.
Find out more about the current negotiations in our FAQs.
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