Responding to the House of Commons debate on the Strikes Bill, an RCN spokesperson said:
“We continue to oppose this Bill which seeks to curtail the freedoms that workers have to stand up for their rights. The news that the Commons have rejected an amendment which would have prevented striking nursing staff facing dismissal is very disappointing. We call on the Lords to stand by the change they made.
“This Bill remains a distraction from the real issue of paying nursing staff fairly and needing to go on strike in the first place. The RCN will continue to push for better pay and conditions for nursing staff. Tomorrow we will open our ballot and our members will decide on further strike action. It's in the Health Secretary’s gift to stop this happening by coming back to the table to talk.
“The best way to end disputes has always been through discussion and negotiation.”
Ends
