The RCN will get the results of the ballot shortly. Your elected representatives will consider the ballot result and the next steps. They are also considering the latest offer from Scottish government – read more.
In the postal ballot RCN members working for the NHS in Scotland, on Agenda for Change terms and conditions, were asked whether they will take strike action, which involves a complete withdrawal of labour. The RCN recommended members vote 'yes'.
Julie Lamberth, RCN Scotland Board Chair, said:
“I want to thank all the eligible RCN members who have voted in this historic ballot. I said at the start of the ballot I had never known such a feeling of resolve in nursing staff to stand up for patients and for themselves. And during the ballot RCN members have spoken out loudly and compassionately about their fears for patient care if the Scottish government does not take urgent action to fix the current nursing workforce crisis. An above inflation pay award that helps retain experienced staff and attract the workforce of the future is the starting point. We’ll be considering the ballot results and the latest pay offer before setting out the next steps.”
Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Director, said:
“The recent offer from the Scottish government showed it has failed to listen to our members’ concerns for the safety of their patients. Under the offer the increase for many experienced nurses would be lower than the previous 5% offer that was overwhelmingly rejected by our members. And a newly qualified registered nurse, who has completed a nursing degree and is working at the bottom of Band 5, would earn just 6 pence more per hour (£122 per year) than a member of staff working at the top of Band 4. This offer will do nothing to retain experienced nursing staff or attract the registered nurses of the future that Scotland desperately needs. We will be keeping members up to date about what happens next in the coming days.”
