RCN - ballot on industrial action "inevitable" if pension talks fail

Published: 30 September 2011

For immediate release:  Friday 30th September  2011

RCN - ballot on industrial action "inevitable" if pension talks fail

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today held a special meeting of RCN Council, to discuss rising anger about government proposals on NHS pensions. The RCN Council said that industrial action balloting was ‘inevitable’ if nursing concerns are not addressed by government in the ongoing discussions. RCN Council agreed to support colleagues in the day of action on November 30th though they did not decide to ballot immediately on industrial action.  The RCN will now campaign to communicate the seriousness of the proposals and ensure that the RCN is ready to ballot as and when needed.

Sandra James, Chair of RCN Council, said:

“Council members have heard from thousands of nursing staff from across the UK, and are aware that anger levels are rising as nurses are hit from all sides. Not only are they dealing with rising living costs, a pay freeze and attacks on their pensions, but they are also dealing with a situation where they are overstretched and very worried about patient care. Council has also decided to support action on the 30th of November as an important opportunity to make our voices heard.

“Balloting on industrial action is inevitable if negotiations with the government don’t provide a fair outcome for our members. RCN members will also be asked to support colleagues on the 30th by joining protests, demonstrations, joint events and rallies or engagement with patient groups.  The RCN is now gearing up to get a ballot process ready if needed over the coming weeks as talks progress."

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN, said:
“Nurses and Healthcare Assistants are the lifeblood of the NHS, and they are angry. Their pensions have already been reformed, and are far from generous. Targetting them now is unjust and unecessary. The average woman with an NHS pension takes home less than £4000 a year – not exactly gold plated. Council has decided that the RCN will support colleagues on the 30th of November to express their anger. The RCN will be ready to ballot if this anger is not heard as we approach the end of the negotiations.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
2. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations