Scottish nurses set to strike after rejecting ‘final’ pay offer
Posted 21 December 2022 - 12:36
Ballot of RCN Scotland members saw 82% reject offer of around 8% by the Holyrood government, as college confirms plans for strike action early in 2023
Nurses in Scotland have overwhelmingly rejected the government’s latest pay offer.
In a ballot of RCN members that closed on 19 December, some 82% voted to reject the pay offer of around 8% put forward by the Holyrood government.
Dates for nurse strike action in early 2023 expected soon
RCN Scotland confirmed it continue planning for strike action early in the new year, with dates expected to be announced soon.
RCN Scotland board chair Julie Lamberth said: ‘It was the right thing to ask our members whether to accept or reject this offer. It directly affects their lives and each eligible member needed to be given the chance to have their say.
‘And the result could not be clearer – we have forcefully rejected what the Scottish Government said is its “best and final” offer.’
‘Ball is in the Scottish Government’s court’
Ms Lamberth added that the ‘ball is in the Scottish Government’s court’ to avoid strike action.
‘Make no mistake – we do not want to go on strike. Years of being undervalued and understaffed have left us feeling we have been left with no option because enough is enough,’ she said.
Last month the Scottish Government announced a pay rise of between £2,205 and £2,751 for all NHS staff on Agenda for Change contracts. Ministers said the ‘record’ offer represents an uplift of about 8.7% for nurses, 11.3% for the lowest-paid staff and will be backdated to April.
It is the second time the government has improved its offer as it bids to avoid strikes. Initially the government offered a pay rise of 5%, but upped this to around 8.45% after nurses voted to strike.
It meant nurses in Scotland have not taken part in the historic strike action this month while they voted on the new pay offer.
RCN England to announce new strike date for January on 23 December
Nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have taken to picket lines on 15 and 20 December in their dispute over pay and working conditions.
England’s RCN has confirmed they will announce new strike date for January by 23 December if the Westminster government does not begin formal negotiations on pay. Scotland nurses now look set to join them.
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
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