In a ballot, the majority of the 65.2% of member who voted said they rejected the offer. In a second question asking if they would be prepared to undertake industrial action and/or action short of strike – members also voted to say yes, they would.
During the consultation period the question of pay parity (equal pay for work of equal value) was once again raised, with members recognising that the offer went nowhere near addressing the issues and many members feeling nurses were not getting a fair deal.
Sarah Johnston, RCN Operational Manager, said: “Getting such a strong turnout on this ballot is an indication as to how strongly members feel about pay.
"The underlying issue on pay has simply been ignored by the States. Yes, members have had recent pay rises but the gap between their pay and that of their Civil Service peers remains.
"The final year below inflation rise was seen as a slap in the face by many. We really hope that the States do not ignore us again. We want to talk with them, we want to discuss nursing pay in a constructive manner.”
The ballot, which closed on Tuesday 13 Sept asked members to vote on the following offer:
2022 - An uplift of 5% plus a payment of £500 to be added to all pay scales. The £500 will be consolidated into basic pay and will therefore be permanent and pensionable. For the avoidance of doubt, any additional payments and allowances, etc. that are not calculated with reference to basic pay will be uplifted by 5%. This means, for example, that any bonuses or other contractual entitlements that are set at a flat rate will be increased by 5%. Please note as has been the case for many years, the recruitment and retention premia paid to eligible staff after three and six years’ service will not be uplifted.
2023 - An uplift of RPIX as at 30th June 2022
2024 - An uplift of RPIX as at 30th June 2023 minus 1%. Should RPIX as of this date be less than 1%, the Employer will not seek to implement a pay cut and the award for that year would be zero
