Further RCN strike action in Wales begins today

The strike comes after the majority of eligible members voted to reject the latest Welsh government NHS pay offer in a recent ballot. 

Despite RCN Wales request for the Minister for Health and Social Services to re-open NHS pay negotiations, these talks are not yet forthcoming.  As a result, nursing staff employed in the NHS in Wales, will return to the picket lines this morning.

Derogations will be tighter than those imposed in the first round of strike action in December 2022 meaning the disruption will be greater. We’re encouraging all members working at an NHS employer where we have a mandate to strike, to take strike action and to tell their employer they’ll be striking.

Speaking ahead of fresh strike action commencing at 7am today, RCN Wales Director Helen Whyley, said: 

“Until the Minister for Health and Social Services re-opens meaningful negotiations to try to resolve our dispute, we will, once again, stand shoulder to shoulder on the picket lines across Wales.”

“If two consecutive days of strike action still does not shake the Welsh government to listen to the voice of nursing in Wales and take actions to resolve our dispute, we will return to the picket lines once again in July. Nursing staff are looking for a fair settlement that shows the government values and understands their profession now and into the future.  I would remind the minister that it is entirely in her gift.”

“Nursing makes up the largest portion of the NHS. The Welsh government should heed our concerns about patients’ safety and well-being and the nursing profession future.”

“We will continue to be guided by our members, who are best placed to make decisions on what they consider to be an adequate acknowledgement of their skills and value in the NHS.”  

“Our statutory industrial action ballot for more strike action will open in early July.”

Ends. 

A full list of picket lines can be found here: Strike action in 2023 | Royal College of Nursing (rcn.org.uk)

https://www.rcn.org.uk/wales/Wales-Events

For more information on derogations, visit our Nursing Pay in Wales webpage: Nursing Pay in Wales | Wales | Royal College of Nursing (rcn.org.uk)

If you are interested in reporting on RCN strikes, please contact the RCN Wales Communications and Media Team on 02920680769 or mediawales@rcn.org.uk. For national media inquiries please contact mediateamhq@rcn.org.uk.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. 

For more information, contact the RCN Wales press office at 02920 680 769 or email mediawales@rcn.org.uk