13 End Rule 12?
Resolution submitted by the RCN Islington Branch
That this meeting of RCN Congress votes to put in motion the process to amend Rule 12
Work led by the RCN Membership Representation and Diversity Committee.
Discussion at Congress 2008 focused on three key themes; that Rule 12 was too slow and time consuming, that it restricted the RCN's ability to take industrial action, and that Rule 12 was 'our contract with the public' and had served the RCN well.
At its June 2008 meeting RCN Council agreed to consult with the membership to see if there was wider support for an amendment to Rule 12. The consultation process took place between July and December 2008, and received prominent publicity in both RCN Bulletin and RCN Activate, (the newsletter for RCN activists) and on the RCN's website. The consultation was also highlighted upon in the broader nursing press. A communications plan, linked to the consultation, ensured that reminders were made in all RCN publications over the four-month consultation period. A working group of Council Members, members and staff was set up and met through this period.
Presentations relating to the consultation were given at a number of boards and branches. In addition, a master class on industrial action and Rule 12 was delivered in Scotland, and presentations given to the RCN ANS Executive and the three national representatives committees - the Stewards, Safety Representatives and Learning Representatives committees. To stimulate and direct discussions on the issue, a consultation paper was sent to all boards and a presentation was prepared for use in member meetings.
The response to the consultation was low but it highlighted some confusion about Rule 12 and what industrial action could be invoked by members of the RCN.
In January 2009 the RCN Membership Representation and Diversity Committee (MRDC) considered the outcome of the consultation and recommended to Council that no action should be taken to amend Rule 12 at present. Following a recommendation by MRDC, RCN Council agreed in February to develop and agree a position statement on industrial action.