Planned strike action by members employed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has been paused as the RCN launches a consultation on an improved 2022/23 pay award.
In an escalation of its dispute, the RCN recently issued notice of strike action for 27 and 28 July, but strikes on these days will no longer go ahead after CQC’s announcement this week.
For 2022/23, CQC has confirmed it will award a non-consolidated lump sum payment of £1,500 pro rata, for all staff employed at Grades Exec 3 to F who were in post on 31 March 2023 and on 1 August 2023. The £1,500 is in addition to the pay award imposed in December 2022 that was 2.75% for Grade A staff, 3% for Grade B and C staff and 3.75% for Grades D to F staff.
RCN members employed by CQC will now be consulted on the £1,500 non-consolidated payment for 2022/23. Full details of the consultation, which will begin within days, will be shared with members soon. Members will be asked if they accept or reject this improved pay award for 2022/23 and the result will determine the direction of our dispute.
Since 17 April 2023, members employed by CQC have been taking continuous industrial action short of strike, which means working strictly to the terms of their contract of employment, often referred to as “working to rule”.
The latest pay award demonstrates the success of RCN members’ industrial action up to this point. To maintain pressure, members will continue to take action short of strike while the consultation is conducted.
RCN National Officer Barry Hutchinson said: “Our members should be proud that their commitment to industrial action has resulted in an improved pay award.
“We were left with no choice. We’ve taken action short of strike for more than three months, and now we can see how effective industrial action can be.
“Our message is clear. We’ll continue to fight for fair pay for all our members to ensure our profession is respected, protected and valued. As with any development on pay, members have the final say and their vote in our forthcoming consultation will decide where this dispute goes next."
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