The RCN has upped its strike benefit for nursing staff on the picket line by 10% to £50 a day, as public support for action grows.
It will be payable from the first day of industrial action, following the completion of 7.5 hours of work, on strike, and pro rata for part-time members of staff. Previously members were only eligible to claim from the second day of action.
The strike benefit will only be paid to those who have had their salary deducted by their employer for the hours not worked during strike action, and we will review the payment in the event of any sustained industrial action.
The decision was taken by members elected to the RCN’s governing Council earlier this week after detailed work by the Trade Union Committee and others.
Chair of RCN Council Carol Popplestone said: “It was vital we made changes to our strike benefit policy before our ballot opens on less than two weeks.
“I’m talking to members, in lots of different roles, who are all reaching the same conclusion – enough is enough. And we are doing this for ourselves, for our loved ones and for our patients.
“The RCN strike benefit policy isn’t intended to replace a member’s daily earnings but is a supportive contribution to reduce the impact of any lost pay.”
This announcement follows recent polling that shows an increase of public support to nearly two-thirds (64%) for nurses taking strike action. The YouGov findings also showed that three quarters of the public feel there are not enough nursing staff employed in the NHS to provide safe care.
We need members to come together to achieve a safely staffed workforce.
Our strike ballot will be opening on 15 September, and the RCN is encouraging members to vote in favour of strike action.
RCN General Secretary & Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, said: “Strike action is no one’s first choice – especially nursing staff. We joined the profession to treat people, to advocate for our patients and the care they deserve – and through this vote we are saying they deserve better.
“Nursing staff on the picket line will receive £50 a day, to help to reduce the impact of action on their earnings in these toughest of times.
“If we are pushed to strike, we will still be advocating for these patients and the future of the NHS they deserve.
“This increase recognises the increased cost of living and impact spiralling inflation is having on each and every one of our members.”
Find out more about how industrial action strike ballots work.
