Posted 02 March 2023 - 15:02
Posted 02 March 2023 - 15:02
News
Nurses’ strike: other unions now invited to pay talks, not just RCN
Government extends invitation after unions warned of consequences if left out of negotiations, which will cover pay and productivity
Government extends invitation after unions warned of consequences if left out of negotiations, which will cover pay and productivity
The government has agreed to hold pay talks with all unions representing striking NHS workers after heeding stark warnings about the consequences of only speaking to the RCN.
The decision to embark on unilateral talks with the college had sparked anger and dismay among other health unions, who warned that any deal would be unworkable and risked prolonging the pay dispute.
Pay talks will involve NHS Staff Council
Today it emerged the government has invited other health unions to enter formal pay talks through the NHS Staff Council.
The council comprises representatives from 14 unions, including all those in dispute with the government over pay, working conditions and patient safety concerns.
It also includes representatives from NHS employers, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and NHS England.
Government ‘needs to talk pay now’
Unison head of health Sara Gorton said unions were considering the invitation but would ‘need to clarify the basis upon which talks can get underway through the NHS Staff Council’.
She added: ‘This includes understanding the status of the unilateral talks that have taken place with the RCN.’
GMB national secretary Rachel Harrison said: ‘The government has finally realised what we’ve been saying all along – they need to talk pay now.’
Talks will only take place if strike action is paused
The invitation from government makes it clear that strike action must be paused before talks can take place. Union sources said it was unlikely talks would take place this week but suggested they could get under way next week – provided they get the assurances they need.
Key questions will also include whether other unions will be offered the same deal as the RCN, and whether the college will be part of the talks going forward. The talks are expected to cover pay for 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Refusal to involve other unions was ‘unacceptable and ill-considered’
Planned nurses’ strikes were called off last month after the government agreed to enter ‘intensive’ pay talks with the RCN. But other health unions argued they should have been involved, too.
In a letter to health and social care secretary Steve Barclay, they said the government’s failure to hold talks with all unions representing striking NHS workers in England was ‘unacceptable, ill-considered and has potentially perilous consequences’.
Nurse members of other unions are set to take part in further strikes, including a walkout on 8 March announced by Unison.
NHS Confederation urges unions to ‘accept this olive branch’
The decision to open out pay talks to other unions has been welcomed by healthcare leaders.
NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor said it was ‘a very positive step in the right direction’.
He added: ‘We would hope that all trade unions representing healthcare professionals across the NHS accept this olive branch from the government and are prepared to come to the table, with the aim of reaching a compromise with the government as quickly as possible.’
A DHSC spokesperson said: ‘We have been clear we are happy to talk to all unions who are willing to discuss what is fair and reasonable.
‘In order for talks to start, all planned strike action must be called off with immediate effect.’
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