South West campaign against the pay cartel
This event, run by the RCN South West region, was used to inform delegates of the challenges, activities and successes of the RCN’s campaign against the pay cartel.
Jeannett Martin, Regional Director, told delegates that in May 2012 a document was leaked to them notifying them of the cartel. A cartel of twenty trusts had been formed – which was almost all the employers in the south west. Together they wanted to take their workforce out of Agenda for Change and review staff terms and conditions.
By working closely with RCN reps, members, other unions, the public, politicians and RCN colleagues they were able to maintain a successful campaign against the cartel. The team had a clear, consistent approach to the opposition of the cartel’s plan. Campaign materials were produced and disseminated. However, some NHS staff were scared to display these for fear of losing their jobs. The staff at the RCN communicated clearly with members to keep them up to date with progress of and confidence in the RCN grew. The team worked extremely closely with other trade unions such as Unite and Unison to lobby the cartel – with all unions refusing to be seen individually by the trusts.
Following the campaign, half of the trusts involved formally withdrew from the cartel. The RCN South West region still continues to support staff-side reps to remain strong. As one delegate said “we may have won the battle, but we haven’t won the war”.
Delegates Ann Little and Dee Angell from the Dorset branch congratulated the team for their hard work and support, and for keeping members up to date during this difficult time.
For further information, please contact Helen Hancox on helen.hancox@rcn.org.uk or Tracey Roberts on tracey.roberts@rcn.org.uk
