Posted 08 March 2023 - 12:31
Posted 08 March 2023 - 12:31
News
Nurses’ pay talks reopen – despite latest offer being accepted
RCN and ministers in Wales restart negotiations in move to avert further strikes, after college members scorn pay offer accepted by wider NHS union membership
RCN and ministers in Wales restart negotiations in move to avert further strikes, after college members scorn pay offer accepted by wider NHS union membership
NHS pay talks in Wales have restarted despite the latest offer being narrowly accepted by union members.
RCN members overwhelmingly rejected the Welsh Government’s most recent pay offer and called for immediate talks to avoid further strike action. But a majority of combined health union members in the NHS Wales Trade Union Group voted to accept the offer, leaving the way clear for the government to enforce a deal.
Cardiff government back in pay talks with RCN
In a bid to head off further nursing strikes, ministers reopened negotiations with RCN Wales, but it is unclear whether the talks will affect pay for 2022-23, or focus on the 2023-24 award.
RCN Wales director Helen Whyley said: ‘Once again, our members have sent a message that is loud, clear and strong enough to bring the government back to the table.
‘The minister acknowledges the RCN’s rejection of the additional offer alongside the wider NHS Wales Trade Union Group narrow majority to accept. We will not stop until a deal that is good enough for our members is achieved.’
Health unions’ pay ballot outcomes
Last week, RCN Wales members rejected the latest 2022-23 offer of 3% on top of the 4% already on the table. The enhancement is made up of 1.5% consolidated and 1.5% non-consolidated pay.
Unite and GMB members also rejected the offer. But 61% of staff in Unison endorsed the pay deal, alongside NHS members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). And although Royal College of Midwives members turned down a deal, but the college said it would back it anyway.
Speaking last week, health and social services minister Eluned Morgan said the government would continue to work with unions to implement the pay offer and to begin discussions on the 2023-24 pay award.
The Welsh Government declined to comment on the pay talks while they continue.
In other news