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NHS nurses’ pay dispute: fresh strike dates imminent for staff in Wales

Nursing unions reject Cardiff government’s offer of a one-off payment in return for halting industrial action as RCN claims ministers’ approach to negotiations is not serious
Picket line at Cardiff offices of the RCN during nurses' strike in December 2022

Nursing unions reject Cardiff government’s offer of a one-off payment in return for halting industrial action as RCN claims ministers’ approach to negotiations is not serious

Picket line at Cardiff offices of the RCN during nurses' strike in December 2022
Strikers in Cardiff last month Picture: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

New strike dates for NHS nurses in Wales will be announced shortly after pay talks between the Cardiff government and unions failed to make progress.

RCN Wales confirmed hopes of a resolution were dashed when union leaders met health minister Eluned Morgan and rejected the offer of a one-off payment in return for calling off the strikes.

‘No serious negotiation’

RCN Wales director Helen Whyley told the BBC ‘there wasn't really a negotiation. It was more information sharing’ and said new strike dates were inevitable.

She accused the Welsh Government of ‘dismal failure’ in not resolving the dispute or addressing nursing shortages in the NHS.

Ms Whyly added: ‘We are still no further forward. From the perspective of nursing staff, the Welsh Government are not negotiating seriously on NHS pay. Unless they do so urgently, we will be announcing further strike days for Wales, imminently.’

The Welsh Government refused to confirm the full list of health unions that attended the meeting, or the offer that was made, but Nursing Standard understands the GMB was also present.

‘We recognise NHS union members’ strength of feeling’

Nurses in Wales joined colleagues in England and Northern Ireland for two days of walkouts on 15 and 20 December. Two further strike days are planned in England – on 18 and 19 January.

NHS pay in Wales is linked to Agenda for Change pay scales in England, and the Welsh Government has previously said it is not in a position to offer a higher award.

Ms Morgan said: ‘I want to thank all the health unions for attending today’s meeting and for engaging in the discussion constructively.

‘We recognise and respect the strength of feeling among the membership of the unions, which has been expressed through the recent ballots for industrial action and the strikes. I hope we can continue these discussions in the spirit of social partnership.’


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