52% of members in Wales who voted in the consultative ballot have accepted the offer. Members were consulted electronically between 31 July and 31 August.
This acceptance means that the RCN is no longer in dispute with the Welsh government regarding the pay awards for 2022/23 & 2023/24.
Further discussions between the RCN and Welsh government on NHS pay will however continue in social partnership to support the implementation of these non-pay parameters, and in relation to pay in 2024/25 and beyond.
RCN Wales Director Helen Whyley said: “You, our members, made the incredibly difficult decision to go on strike, a reality that nursing staff across Wales never imagined that they would find themselves facing. But your collective resolve and bravery to stand up for your patients and the future of the NHS led to repeated improved offers from the Welsh government. It is the RCN’s continued discussions with Welsh government that has led to the commitment to these improvements across the whole of the NHS. The collective voice of nursing secured that change.
“As a result of these improvements, the ballot outcome indicates that our members’ perseverance has paid off and they feel this offer goes some way to improving working conditions and the safety of patients. The Welsh government must now deliver on its promises and the spotlight has not been turned from them yet.
“However, a significant portion of our members voted to reject, which reflects your continued frustration with the rate of change. The chronic staff shortages and low morale that led to the strike mandate are still very real.
“We believe that this result is only the beginning. RCN Wales will continue to hold Welsh government to account to implement their commitment of pay restoration to make up for the totality of pay freezes for many years and better working conditions to ensure nursing is fit for purpose.
“I want to thank each and every one of our members who voted in this ballot and for your tireless dedication throughout our ongoing campaign. You have repeatedly shown that you truly are the voice of nursing, and your say can make real change to the profession and society.”
A key part of keeping members up to date with progress will be the partnership hub. This hub will ensure transparency and ability for oversight in ensuring Welsh government are progressing these non-pay elements.
We encourage you to stay engaged with the Fair Pay for Nursing campaign as it enters this next phase. We will be updating our FAQs in due course if you have concerns about what this result means for next steps. Also, be sure to keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates on our objectives and progress.
