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Guernsey pay dispute: RCN members vote to strike if 10% increase not achieved

Action will occur if deal fails to be agreed with island’s government
Guernsey nurses protesting about pay

Action will occur if deal fails to be agreed with island’s government


RCN members in Guernsey protesting about pay last year

Nurses on Guernsey have voted to strike over pay, but have held back on confirming a date as talks with the government ‘remain positive’, the RCN has said.

A ballot of RCN members, which closed on 28 February, asked two questions: 

  • Are you prepared to take part in industrial action short of a strike?
  • Are you prepared to take part in industrial action consisting of strike action?

The results saw 95% voting yes to the first question, and 86% voting to strike.

The RCN said 61% of its members turned out to vote.

Previous pay offers have failed

The college has argued that a 10% pay rise for all Agenda for Change members would bridge the gap with other public sector employees on the island, and has previously rejected lower pay offers from the States of Guernsey.

A newly qualified nurse on Guernsey, for example, earns £26,404 a year, but the RCN wants this figure increased to just under £29,045.   

‘Cautiously optimistic’ that an agreement can be reached


Patricia Marquis

RCN regional director Patricia Marquis said: ‘Given the positive nature of the talks [with the States], we remain cautiously optimistic that we can find a way forward without having to take industrial action. 

‘However, we must be clear – if the talks do not provide the solution that our members are seeking, we will notify the States of our intention to strike.’

Rare strike threat from the RCN

This is only the second time in 103 years that RCN members have voted to take strike action.

It follows successful strike action by nurses in Northern Ireland, which concluded earlier this year.

Government feels ‘progress has been made’ in talks

A statement has been issued on behalf of the policy and resources committee, which is leading negotiations on behalf of the States.

‘Talks were constructive and parties feel progress has been made, we continue to be cautiously optimistic,’ it said.

The next meeting between the States and unions will take place on 18 March.


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