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Striking NHS nurses urged to stand firm against ‘strong-arm’ tactics

Don’t be bullied back to work, RCN leader tells nurses in Wales as they return to picket lines for second day in latest wave of industrial action over pay
Striking nurses holding strike banners and RCN leader Pat Cullen on picket line in Cardiff

Don’t be bullied back to work, RCN leader tells nurses in Wales as they return to picket lines for second day in latest wave of industrial action over pay and conditions

Striking nurses holding strike banners and RCN leader Pat Cullen on picket line in Cardiff
Pat Cullen, front left, meets RCN members outside the college’s Cardiff headquarters near University Hospital of Wales yesterday

NHS managers have been accused of ‘strong-arming’ nurses into working during the latest round of industrial action in Wales.

RCN members are staging their second consecutive 12-hour walkout today (7 June) in their dispute with the Welsh Government over pay and working condition.

Strikers report feeling under pressure from managers

In a letter to members overnight following yesterday’s strike, college general secretary Pat Cullen said members had reported being bullied into working despite their mandate to strike.

She encouraged nurses to hold their resolve on picket lines, adding: ‘Do not go to work. Do not be bullied. I heard on the picket line how some managers were strong-arming staff. Tell the RCN and we will protect you,’ she said.

‘The Nursing and Midwifery Council is clear you have the right to do this, and our action is always safe – we are doing this for our patients and the public supports us.’

Appeal for support

RCN members have been on picket lines since 7am today after a 12-hour walkout yesterday (6 June) in protest against the Welsh Government’s latest pay offer.

The 5% deal for 2023/24 was the final of a series for staff on Agenda for Change contracts. They have also been offered a 7% increase for 2022/23 plus a series on one-off payments.

In her email to members, Ms Cullen issued a rallying cry for more nurses to be part of the industrial action.

‘Talk to all your friends and colleagues tonight and tell them you are going to join tomorrow and encourage them to be part of this too. Together, we will win. But it will take each and every one of us to show the strength of nursing,’ she added.

Pay offer accepted by union majority

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: ‘While we recognise the strength of feeling, we are disappointed strike action is continuing despite the collective decision to accept the Agenda for Change pay offer by the NHS Wales Partnership Forum.’

RCN Wales members will strike again on 12 and 13 July if negotiations are not reopened. A fresh ballot for a further six months of strikes will also take place from 3-31 July.


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