The strike ballot has been called following an overwhelming response from members across all NHS Scotland employers to reject the pay offer from the Scottish government – over 90% said it simply isn’t good enough.
We had asked for a fully funded pay rise of 5% above inflation, to combat years of wage stagnation and the cost-of-living crisis. Instead, the government made a much lower pay offer of 5% for the majority of NHS staff.
The number of members voting on the pay offer more than doubled compared to a similar ballot last year. Members were also asked to indicate their willingness to take part in industrial action with the majority voting in favour of taking strike action.
This is an unprecedented demonstration of the strength of feeling amongst nursing staff right now and the RCN Scotland Board, Trade Union Committee and Council agreed that there was no option but to begin preparations for a statutory ballot on industrial strike action.
Each of the NHS health trade unions stated their position on the Scottish government’s offer today (Friday 12 August) at the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee (STAC), the body for collective pay bargaining for the NHS in Scotland. The Scottish government has been informed of RCN members overwhelming rejection of the offer.
An industrial strike ballot must be carried out by post and there are numerous statutory requirements that must be complied with, including a 50% turnout requirement. In the recent ballot on the pay offer this threshold was exceeded across all of Scotland’s regional and special health boards.
Preparations for the ballot are now underway and we will encourage RCN members working for the NHS in Scotland, on Agenda for Change contracts, to vote in favour of strike action.
The postal ballot will ask RCN members working for the NHS in Scotland, on Agenda for Change contracts, if they will take strike action which involves a complete withdrawal of labour. It will open on 15 September until 13 October, running at the same time as similar ballots for RCN members in England and Wales.
We need you to urgently check that we have your up-to-date home address and employer details so that every eligible member receives their postal ballot.
If enough members vote for industrial strike action, it will be the first time in RCN history that members in Scotland go on strike. RCN Council, made up of elected members, has increased our strike fund to £50 million (an increase from £35 million) to provide some financial support to members across the UK who lose earnings during any strike action.
Industrial action is a last resort, but the current NHS staffing crisis is causing unacceptable risk to patients and nursing staff. That is why we are urging members to vote in favour of strike action.
Pat Cullen, RCN General Secretary & Chief Executive, said: “Nursing staff will stop at nothing to protect their patients. Staff shortages are putting patient safety at risk and the failure of governments across the UK to listen has left us with no choice but to advocate for strike action.
"Our members in Scotland have sent a clear message that the Scottish government’s offer simply wasn’t good enough. A lifetime of service must never mean a lifetime of poverty. Ministers’ refusal to recognise the skill and responsibility of the job is pushing people out of the profession.”
Julie Lamberth, Chair of RCN Scotland Board, said: “Given the unprecedented response to our recent ballot and the overwhelming rejection of the Scottish government’s offer, we have no option but to move towards a statutory ballot for industrial strike action. In all my years in nursing I have never known such strength of determination amongst nursing staff. After years of staff shortages and underpayment, your vote in the upcoming ballot will be essential in turning the tide on low pay.
“Please urgently check we have your up-to-date home addresses and employer details so you can cast your vote.
"The current pay offer would do nothing to help you with the rising cost of living. We need to stand up for fair pay to recruit or retain more nursing staff where you work and to keep patients safe."
