Last week, Scottish government made a pay offer for NHS Scotland staff on Agenda for Change terms and conditions. From today, we’re asking members working in the NHS in Scotland to vote to accept or reject the offer.
On Tuesday 20 September, negotiations between the RCN, other health trade unions and the Scottish government concluded with the Scottish government making a final offer of a one year pay deal of 5.5% consolidated and across all Agenda for Change bands, effective from 1 April 2024.
RCN Scotland board has considered the offer and is asking you to vote on the pay offer and tell us if you accept or reject it.
Eligible members have until noon on Friday 20 September 2024 to cast their vote.
RCN Scotland Board Chair Julie Lamberth said: “We are rightly frustrated that the Scottish government has kept us waiting for this pay offer while the cost of living continued to increase. We now want to know if you think this offer is enough of a step towards recognising our professions’ safety critical role. You turned out in very large numbers to tell us your views on previous pay offers from the Scottish government and I urge you to do so again this time.”
If a majority vote to accept the offer we will seek implementation as soon as possible. If a majority indicate that the offer should be rejected, your elected members on RCN Scotland Board, RCN Trade Union Committee and RCN Council will consider the next steps. If rejected, there is no guarantee that the current offer will be available in the future.
If rejected and no improved offer is received from Scottish government all options would be considered including asking members to vote on and participate in industrial action.
RCN Scotland Director Colin Poolman said: “You are the ever-present, safety critical workforce across the whole of health and care. Current wages do not reflect this and still won’t after this award.
“Fair pay is vital to recruit and retain nursing staff, to fill the thousands of vacant nurse jobs and to ensure people receive the care they deserve. That’s why it is so important that you take the time to have your say.”
