Today’s action follows the results of the RCN’s statutory ballot on the latest pay award from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which saw an overwhelming 80% of members who voted, voting in favour of taking industrial action short of strike.
Action short of strike means staff will be working strictly to the terms of their contract of employment, often referred to as “working to rule”. This can include taking all contractual breaks, starting and finishing shifts strictly on time, or refusing to undertake paid or unpaid overtime.
The action is "continuous", meaning it will take place across consecutive days without a break starting today (17 April). This will continue until our industrial action mandate expires in September 2023 or until a new formal pay offer is made.
RCN National Officer Barry Hutchinson said: “Nobody wants to take industrial action, but our members working at CQC feel they’ve been left with no other choice. By taking this action, they’re sending a loud message that enough is enough. They deserve better. As their professional union, we’ll continue to fight for fair pay for nursing for all our members to ensure our profession is respected, protected and valued.”
In July 2022, the RCN and four other trade unions called for a pay award of 5% above inflation (RPI) for staff working at CQC. However, CQC refused to meet our demands on pay and instead imposed a real-terms pay cut with their latest pay award.
The industrial action starting today will not affect the pay award that has already been implemented. It coincides with action also being taken by members of other unions.
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