Nursing strike on hold while pay talks continue
MEMBERS of the Royal College of Nursing have voted to go on strike, although will not yet set a date as they said talks with the States are 'positive'.
Four unions involved in talks over nurses pay met with members of Policy & Resources on Thursday and Friday last week [27 and 28 February] to try and find a way through the deadlock.
At the same time, the ballot on industrial action and strike action closed on Friday 18 February with 61% of members turning out to vote. Of these, 95% voted for action short of strike and 86% voted to strike.
This is only the second time in 103 years that RCN members have voted to take strike action.
Both the States and the RCN have previously accused the other of refusing to engage fully with the negotiation process but were willing to return to the table in another attempt to resolve the dispute.
After talks broke down in November, the matter was referred to the industrial disputes officer, who in turn referred it to an independent tribunal due to the gulf between the two sides, but the agreement to re-enter talks postponed the tribunal process.
Regional director of the RCN Patricia Marquis said she was extremely proud of members who took the time to vote and in doing so had their say on the future of nursing and healthcare in Guernsey.
'It is not something any of them will have taken lightly and the results speak for themselves,' she said.
'However, given the positive nature of the talks we remain cautiously optimistic that we can find a way forward without having to take industrial action.'
She made it clear that if the talks did not provide the solution that RCN members were seeking, they will notify the States of their intention to strike.
'We are hoping we can shape a deal that addresses our members concerns about the ongoing disparity between nursing pay and that of others in Guernsey,' Ms Marquis continued.
'It is essential that this is addressed to ensure a sustainable nursing workforce that will continue to deliver the highest quality health and social care service for the people of Guernsey.'
She hoped a further meeting on Wednesday 18 March would enable the unions to find a solution with the States.
In a joint statement on behalf of the RCN, the Royal College of Midwives, Unite the Union, Prospect and Policy & Resources, unions representing Guernsey nurses and the States said talks were constructive and 'parties feel progress has been made'.
'We continue to be cautiously optimistic around the progress of these talks,' they said.
'Jointly we have formally requested the IDO continues to provide us with more time by continuing to postpone the industrial tribunal.'
