RCN comment on TUC Day of Action

Published: 30 November 2011

For immediate release:  28 November 2011
RCN comment on TUC Day of Action

Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter, said:
“RCN members will be at work as normal on November 30th delivering care and support to patients and clients. Although the RCN is not undertaking industrial action, we are supporting other trade union colleagues in the Day of Action and encouraging members to attend local demonstrations outside their normal working hours.  We have also put the Government on notice that if negotiations fail by the end of December 2011, Council will authorise a ballot on industrial action at a meeting in January.
“We have said that RCN members should not generally cover the work of colleagues who are undertaking industrial action, including taking any voluntary overtime work. It is the responsibility of each and every employer to provide safe staffing for patients at all times and to provide the highest possible standard of patient care. If an employer is concerned about cover on the Day of Action, they must discuss this with the relevant trade unions taking the action.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 02076473633, 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