Following the ballot last week when members rejected the final pay offer, the next step in the RCN process was to ask members in a branch meeting if they wanted to start the formal proceedings that could lead towards an Industrial Action ballot. 98% of members that attended the meeting yesterday (5 November) said yes.
Lindsay Meeks, Regional Director says: “Sadly it has been inevitable that we would reach this point. Despite our members voting overwhelmingly to reject the pay offer, the States have still refused to meet with us to discuss pay in a meaningful way. There has been no attempt at any stage to get around a table and talk.
“Our grievance around the pay disparity is real, we have evidence to back it up and it and this has been recognised in an as yet unpublished independent report by Kojima. It is so disappointing. To be treated with such contempt is a complete slap in the face.
“Industrial Action is the last thing we want to do, but the States have left us with no choice. RCN members have never been on strike anywhere before, but it is looking more and more likely that the States of Guernsey could play host to the first ever RCN picket line.”
At an emergency South East Board meeting held on 6 November, the Board unanimously agreed to the Branch request and the industrial action application will now be considered by the RCN Trade Union Committee.
