RCN to ballot members in Wales on industrial action

Only hours after the Royal College of Nursing Wales branded the NHS pay award in Wales ‘pitiful and insulting,’ nursing staff across Wales have been called to action by their union.

In a joint email to all RCN Wales nursing members tonight, the Director of RCN Wales, Helen Whyley and Richard Jones MBE, RCN Wales Board Chair, RCN Council Member for Wales said:

"Today the Welsh Government confirmed its pay award for NHS staff in Wales for the year 2022-23. This is yet another pay cut in real terms and we’re clear that nursing deserves better.”

"Tonight, an emergency session of your elected Council voted that members in Wales will be balloted on industrial action.”

“Today’s NHS pay deal will not recruit or retain the nursing staff our NHS desperately needs. It does not recognise the skill and responsibility of the job you do. It will not keep patients safe.”

“Members made it clear last year and many before that after years of underpayment and staff shortages the fight for fair pay must continue.”

“We have made a ground-breaking decision to move directly to strike ballot on industrial action, something that the college has never done before. This is truly a sign of the times that we have no other option for the sake of our health care services and our irreplaceable nursing work force in Wales.”

“The voice of Nursing will be essential to turning the tide on low pay.”

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