Member power: reflections from the picket lines

The best thing throughout this whole process has been listening to vital member stories out and about on picket lines, on visits I’ve undertaken to workplaces across Wales, and through social media – and then being able to take these personal experiences directly into the heart of pay negotiations with the Welsh government.

The amazing activism of our members in speaking out about the issues that matter to them the most remains integral to the success of our campaigning and I have been incredibly proud to represent them at the negotiating table.

Here are the personal reflections from some of our members who were on the picket lines in December 2022.

Maggii Chong-Kwan, Gender Specialist Nurse with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said:

“I’ve worked in the NHS for 40 years and the conditions we are expected to work under have deteriorated significantly over that time. The lack of knowledge and understanding from politicians around the job and qualifications we do is staggering.

“My biggest takeaway from the strike days was the amount of support and understanding we received from the public. The public, despite media rhetoric, understand that we have been left with no choice but to fight for the basic rights to a safely functioning health service.

“The Welsh government left us with no choice. None of us wanted to be in that position, but for the safety of our patients – and let’s face it: that’s the biggest reason for action – we need safe staffing throughout the NHS, whilst being able to afford transport to get to our jobs and living costs at the very least.”

Christine Thomas retired RCN member, Swansea Bay University Health Board, said:

“The future of nursing is so important to me and should be to everyone. The pressure the profession is under is growing with no signs of improvement. Nursing staff have almost become desensitised to the situation and learned to accept it as the norm. I worry that if the more experienced nurses keep leaving, there will not be that experience and nurturing of the new generation of nurses coming forward. I believe this makes it a very lonely and scary job for newly qualified nurses.

“The amazing support and kindness shown to us by colleagues, patients and the public during the strike days was totally overwhelming. I felt close to tears several times as people brought us food, drinks and encouragement. They talked to us of their personal experiences as service users and always praised the nursing staff for their care and devotion.

“This is such an important issue. We must support nurses to keep patients safe. That is always the priority: it is about so much more than pay."

Katie Nield, Community Nurse, Powys Teaching Health Board, said:

“I didn’t just join the picket line for me but for the nurses who can’t afford to support their families, and the patients who are subject to unsafe conditions caused by the shortages on wards, outpatient and in community services. As a new RCN rep, the pickets were an excellent opportunity for me to encourage and support my colleagues within the health service.

“My biggest takeaway from the strike days was the outpouring of support shown by our communities. I was also glad to take part in interviews with local media in order to tell our truths and help the public understand that we cannot continue to let our beloved health service fall into decline, and our colleagues continue to struggle, financially and mentally.

“I encourage newly qualified nurses and nursing students to take part to ensure that their future isn’t destroyed by a greedy government. It is time for things to change. Nothing changes without action. The Welsh government needs to take accountability for its failings.”

Neil Evans, Emergency Nurse, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, said:

“I believe in the RCN’s fight for #FairPayForNursing to protect the profession. It's about the recruitment and retention of nursing staff within the NHS in Wales now and for the future.

“Seeing the public support us on the strike days by honking their horns and bringing food to sustain staff on the picket line throughout the day was a personal highlight.”

Watch some of the highlights from the strike days.