With our Fair Pay For Nursing campaign underway, it’s a busy time for the committee. We take a closer look at its role within the RCN and what else its working on
Who sits on the committee?
The Trade Union Committee has 14 members: one member each from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and one from each of the nine English regions. The remaining two members are from the student and nursing support worker membership categories.
Members are elected by the members they represent and sit on the committee for four years, with one half of the committee changing every two years.
What’s the committee’s overall purpose?
Its purpose is to ensure the RCN develops as a modern, progressive trade union. The committee is accountable to RCN Council, making decisions on its behalf on all the RCN’s trade union functions and activities.
How often does the committee meet?
The committee usually meets at least three times a year. This year, since January, the committee has met 16 times. Many of these meetings were specially convened to discuss and make decisions on important issues, such as the industrial action in Northern Ireland, the industrial action ballot on Guernsey, the COVID-19 pandemic and the RCN pay campaign.
During the height of the pandemic, the committee also received COVID-19 briefings from the RCN’s Executive Team.
The committee ensures member voices are reflected in RCN activity
What work does the committee provide advice and strategic direction on?
The committee ensures member voices are reflected in RCN activity related to protecting and enhancing members’ pay, and terms and conditions of employment. Currently, the committee is leading the RCN’s Fair Pay For Nursing campaign, engaging with members to inform decisions and to raise awareness about the campaign and how pay processes work.
Individual committee members have been directly engaging with their local RCN boards and groups of members to discuss pay, and the committee has also hosted a series of pay webinars, including a session specifically for RCN reps, so members from across the UK can ask questions and share their views.
Although right now there is a huge focus on the pay campaign and supporting members during the pandemic, the committee is also involved in work around improving health and safety, tackling bullying and harassment and making sure members have access to good quality, stable and sustainable pensions.
The committee is also responsible for ensuring the RCN’s equality and inclusion strategy is embedded in all of the RCN’s structures and activities and is accountable for and monitors the RCN’s performance as a special registered trade union.
How does the committee make decisions?
The committee makes decisions based on evidence and member engagement. When a decision needs to be made, committee members will come together for a meaningful discussion, taking in to account views from each country and region across the UK. The committee will try to reach a consensus and then take a vote.
How can I find out more about what the committee has discussed recently?
If you’re logged in as an RCN member, you can see agendas and summaries from previous or upcoming Trade Union Committee meetings on our website. Find out more.
How can I feed my views into the committee?
To find out who represents you on the committee and how to contact them, visit our RCN Trade Union Committee page.
Nominations now open
Nominations are currently open to join the RCN Trade Union Committee. Find out more and apply before the 3 September.
