I do enjoy a good protest! It’s a chance to fly the RCN flag (literally) and stand shoulder to shoulder with our members to ensure their collective voice is heard.

We weren’t the only ones protesting that day; Unite were also there alongside us with their dispute about the Health Visitor banding – it seems the Health Board has no respect for the nursing profession or their wellbeing and right to fair pay.

It was great to see so many of our members joining us, some on days off and others straight from a nightshift. All joined in the respectful silent protest showing compassion to those attending the women’s centre.

What’s the issue?

Historically, there have been two separate shift patterns in CTM with some staff in the Princess of Wales Hospital having two 30-minute unpaid breaks and having to do a 12.5-hour make-up shift every month, and others on other sites who have one 30-minute unpaid break with a 6-hour make-up shift every month.

Whilst we see the benefit in harmonising shifts across the organisation for fairness and equity, any decent employer would move to the lesser make-up shift to support their staffs’ wellbeing, make them feel valued and increase morale. But CTM decided to move over 3,000 nurses and health care support workers (HCSWs) onto longer make-up shifts. They say this is for the staff to have adequate rest during a shift and that they are looking after their wellbeing – but the published board paper shows millions of pounds of savings and a reduction in head count should the shift pattern be imposed. If they’re so concerned for their nursing workforce and patient safety, they could give you an extra paid break with no increase to the make-up shift – or no make-up shift at all.

On the point of equity and fairness, this change is only being implemented for nurses, HCSWs and midwives – a predominantly a female profession, many with caring responsibilities. Their own equality impact assessment clearly shows they are aware of potential impacts on the female workforce, but still they’re pushing through with the consultation.

How does this impact members?

Our members are telling us that they don’t regularly get to take breaks due to staffing levels and patient demand, with some being unable to leave clinical areas as the only registrant or holding a cardiac arrest bleep. If staff don’t get breaks and are working make-up hours, they’re effectively working for free twice.

Our members are also saying that this will have a huge impact on their family time, finances due to extra childcare and travel costs, and wellbeing and health due to being in work longer.

RCN members say NO! NO! NO!

Our members have clearly stated that they’re opposed to the shift patterns that are being consulted on and want to stay on the Cwm Taf Morgannwg shift pattern of one 30-minute unpaid break.

In our February 2026 member survey:

• 84% of respondents said the proposed changes would have a negative impact on them
• 78% of respondents you said they’d be prepared to take industrial action if the changes were imposed.

What can RCN members affected by the proposed changes do?

We’re asking that you have your say in an indicative ballot, which is open until 3 September 2026, to see if your feelings have changed since we ran the survey.

A high percentage of members have already voted. Please take time to vote if you haven’t already done so and ask your colleagues to do the same.

It’s vital you have your say to stop CTM University Health Board from taking advantage of you and expecting you to work for free.

Read the proposal and cast your vote now.