RCN Wales members to strike after rejecting the latest NHS pay offer for nursing staff in Wales

Following a revised pay offer for 2022-23 and a new pay offer for 2023-24, RCN Wales members have voted with a clear majority to reject the pay offer. Strikes will now take place on 6 and 7 June and 12 and 13 July.

RCN Wales has written to the Minister for Health & Social Services, Eluned Morgan, seeking to urgently re-enter negotiations in light of this result.

Strike action will run for the duration of the day shift on each day and derogations will be tighter than those in place during strike action in December 2022.

RCN Wales Director, Helen Whyley said:

“Nursing staff took the momentous decision to strike for fair pay and safe staffing levels. We need a substantial offer from the Welsh government that reflects the magnitude of that decision.

“Today, we have heard our members loud and clear, and this latest decision only makes us more determined as a college to secure a meaningful and acceptable pay offer for the future of the profession. Nursing staff always act in the interests of their patients, and are the true ambassadors for our NHS. The government must act in their interest now, because protecting nursing protects the public.

“I have asked for pay talks to be opened immediately with the Minister for Health & Social Services so that our members do not need to return to picket lines. Strike action is always a last resort, but we have been pushed here yet again. If talks aren’t forthcoming, we won’t hesitate to strike, with stronger strike action than we’ve seen before.”

ENDS.

Notes to Editors 

The results of the consultative ballot, which took place between Monday 24 April and Wednesday 10 May are:

- 46.79% accept

- 53.21% % reject

RCN Wales’ mandate to take strike action was extended to 1 August 2023. The strike mandate relates to the 2022/23 pay year.

All RCN members in Wales, even those in workplaces without a mandate for strike action, were included in the consultation

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. The RCN promotes the interests of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations. 

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