RCN calls on members to vote as voting papers go out

Published: 30 January 2012

The Royal College of Nursing today (30 January) urged members to take part in the upcoming vote on the Government’s pensions proposals as they begin receiving their voting papers.

All RCN members apart from those already retired will receive voting papers starting this week with the closing date for returns being 4pm on 27 February 2012. Members will decide whether they wish the RCN to accept or reject the Government’s ‘final’ pensions proposals.

The RCN has produced two videos to help members. The first sees Senior Employment Relations Adviser, Gerry O’Dwyer, talk through the proposals and how they will affect members, while the second video shows members the different ways to vote. Members will be able to vote online, by telephone or by returning their voting papers in a pre-paid envelope.

In the video, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, says: “I want to encourage every member of the RC N to use your vote. If you do not use your vote, this will be a wasted opportunity so please do so.”

Mr O’Dwyer tells members in the second video: “This is an important decision for you and your family. Ensure that you vote and your vote is received by the RCN by the 27 February at 4pm.”

RCN Council will then hold a special meeting on 28 February to discuss next steps in the process. The vote will be managed by external company Electoral Reform Services.

The videos can be viewed on the RCN website at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FxTVPnZork&list=UUoSE-xuaY7n02OLQl6hqZTA&index=1&feature=plcp and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4MwrFCeJFg&list=UUoSE-xuaY7n02OLQl6hqZTA&index=2&feature=plcp.

Notes for Editors

 
For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
 
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.