Nurses’ strike: unions warn of perils of RCN-only talks
Posted 27 February 2023 - 14:00
Singling out RCN for ‘intensive’ pay talks could prolong strikes and jeopardise Agenda for Change, say representatives of 13 other health unions
The government’s failure to hold pay talks with all unions representing striking NHS workers in England is ‘unacceptable, ill-considered and has potentially perilous consequences,’ health unions have warned.
RCN-only talks will not solve pay dispute, warn health unions
Officials representing 13 health unions, including Unison, Unite and the GMB, have written to health and social care secretary Steve Barclay raising concerns about the government’s handling of the pay dispute.
Nurses’ strikes planned for this week were called off on 21 February after the government agreed to enter ‘intensive’ pay talks with the RCN. But other health unions have argued they should have been involved too.
Several NHS staff groups, including nurses and ambulance workers represented by Unison and ambulance workers represented by the GMB, are still in dispute with the government over pay.
The unions warned that only holding talks with the RCN risks prolonging the strikes. Nurses represented by Unison are continuing with planned strike action on 8 March.
Letter calls for proper talks with all unions
Unison’s head of health Sara Gorton said: ‘Strikes across the NHS won’t end until ministers hold proper pay talks with all unions involved in action.
‘Attempting a deal with just one solves nothing and it certainly risks prolonging the dispute. Uncompetitive pay is a key factor behind record vacancy rates affecting all areas of the NHS workforce, not just nursing. And nurses belong to other unions too.’
The letter sent to Mr Barclay states pay negotiations should have gone through the NHS staff council, made up of health unions, NHS employers, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England.
Unions again said that strikes could be paused if the government agreed to talks about the 2022-23 pay award.
Government’s approach could end in ‘nightmare scenario’
They warned any deal struck with the RCN could have implications for other Agenda for Change staff, including the possibility that other unions might find an agreed pay deal unacceptable.
Ms Gorton added: ‘Most NHS staff are on Agenda for Change contracts. Preferential treatment for nurses in one union risks wrecking a pay system that’s worked well for almost 20 years.
‘If that happens, ministers would be creating a nightmare scenario for the NHS. Instead of negotiating with all NHS workers at the same time, employers would have to speak to multiple groups.’
A DHSC spokesperson said: ‘The government will talk to all unions who are willing to discuss what is fair and reasonable – recognising the vital role NHS workers play but also the wider economic pressures facing the UK.’
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