Come and join us as the pay campaign for 2022 returns

I thought I would take the opportunity to update you all on the pay campaign for 2022 which centres around NHS staff on agenda for change contracts but will create opportunities for negotiations in the independent sector. 

Since August we have been out across Wales talking with members and the public about our imminent industrial action ballot. As you are aware Queen Elizabeth II was our patron for over 65 years and following her sad passing it was decided that we postpone pay campaigning and external events as a mark of respect for the mourning period.

I am happy to tell you that from this week we are back on the campaign trail to talk to members about the strike action ballot that is opening on 6 October 2022 and closes on the 2 November 2022. Information on the campaign can be found on our Nursing Pay in Wales page.

I have really enjoyed being out and about and talking with you about the campaign. I have seen truly inspirational nurses, HCSW’s and nursing students who go the extra mile on a day-to-day basis. But what I am also hearing is that you are concerned about patient safety due to poor staffing levels and are distressed that you can’t provide the level of care you aspire to. I am also hearing a clear message from you that you are burnt out, struggling to make ends meet and ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! 

You have been clear with me, that if taking strike action (as unpalatable as it is) is the only way to get Welsh Government to sit up, take notice and pay nurses and HCSW’s fairly to save a crumbling NHS, which is haemorrhaging staff, then that is what you are willing to do. 

To make sure the Welsh Government knows nurses, HCSW’s and Nursing students mean business and are willing to take strike action to protect patients. Legally, we have to get over 50% of you to vote with a simple majority agreeing to strike.  Your voice with that of your peers is the only way of achieving this.

Please go on the website, find out what actions you can take individually or as a team even if you can only put up a poster or get the word out by speaking with your colleagues.

If you are able to get more active, you could join our community of over 100 Voting Volunteers who are based in workplaces across Wales and will be actively promoting the campaign.

I really look forward to meeting you as I travel all around Wales to promote the pay campaign – watch out for where I am on Twitter @nichughes1

I am interested to hear your thoughts on the pay campaign. You can tweet me or email CommunicationsWales@rcn.org.uk. 

Take care and stay safe