According to Britain’s Royal College of Nursing, their attempt to secure a mandate for new strikes over pay has failed due to insufficient member participation in the voting process. The union, however, blames the low turnout on the requirement to vote by post. The photo above depicts nurses during a previous labor dispute. (Photo by Andy Rain/EPA-EFE)
On Tuesday, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Britain acknowledged that they did not obtain the necessary mandate for another six months of strikes in England regarding pay. The turnout of their 500,000 members fell short of the required 50% threshold mandated by law. Despite this setback, the RCN emphasized that the ongoing dispute is not yet resolved, referencing a previous eight-day strike by nurses. The union addressed their concerns in a news release. (Source: RCN)
RCN’s general secretary, Pat Cullen, challenged the rules that stipulate voting must be conducted solely by post, without an online option. Cullen expressed disappointment that although the majority of members who returned their ballot papers voted in favor of strike action, the turnout did not meet the required threshold. Cullen stressed that the fight for fair pay and safe staffing in the nursing profession, for the benefit of both patients and the National Health Service (NHS), is far from over. (Source: The Guardian)
Cullen explained that she had a scheduled meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss his commitment to nurses and support workers. She highlighted the low staff morale and the worsening staffing crisis within the NHS, emphasizing the need for immediate action. Cullen concluded by stating that the nursing community has a strong and influential voice which they will continue to utilize. (Source: RCN)
Previously, in April, the RCN rejected a 5% pay raise and a one-off payment of $2,110 that other health unions had accepted. However, the six-month strike mandate granted by RCN members in November 2022 expired on May 1, leading the union to shorten a planned three-day strike. (Source: BBC)
The Department of Health and Social Care welcomed the news of RCN’s failed mandate, but reiterated their appreciation for nurses’ significant contribution. They hope that other unions involved in disputes with the government will recognize the need to end industrial action and move forward collaboratively. (Source: BBC)
Since late last year, the NHS in England has faced multiple strikes from nurses, paramedics, and doctors. With RCN unable to extend their strike mandate, Unite (representing paramedics and support staff) and the British Medical Association (representing doctors) remain as the two unions in England with strike mandates. The Royal College of Radiographers is currently conducting a ballot among its members. (Source: BBC)
Junior doctors are gearing up for their next strike, scheduled to last for five days starting on July 13. This will be the longest strike in NHS history, following previous strikes of varying durations. The junior doctors have rejected the government’s 5% offer and are pushing for a 35% pay rise to counteract the real terms pay cut they have experienced since 2008 and to prevent the loss of doctors to other countries. (Source: Sky News)
It’s important to note that the term “junior doctor” refers to doctors who have not yet specialized in a specific field.
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