Nurses in England have announced new dates for strike action after their union rejected the Government’s latest pay offer.
The 48-hour strike with no derogations (exemptions from strike action) will take place from 8pm on 30 April to 8pm on 2 May after nurses voted by 54 per cent to 46 per cent to reject the offer.
In the letter to Steve Barclay, RCN General Secretary & Chief Executive Pat Cullen said: “What has been offered to date is simply not enough. The government needs to increase what has already been offered and we will be highly critical of any move to reduce it.
“Until there is a significantly improved offer, we are forced back to the picket line. Meetings alone are not sufficient to prevent strike action and I will require an improved offer as soon as possible. In February, you opened negotiations directly with me and I urge you to do the same now.
“After a historic vote to strike, our members expect a historic pay award.”
Addressing members directly, Pat Cullen reflected on the campaign to date and urged for mass participation among those members who are being called to strike in May, in our biggest and most intensive action yet: “I want to congratulate you on your resolve throughout this consultation. The level of participation in this ballot is record-breaking – this is exactly how we’ll continue to shape this profession for the better and make the voice of nursing impossible to ignore.
“I have heard you and I’m prouder than ever to be led by you in the campaign for fair pay.
“I now urge every member employed where strike action has been called, to prepare to strike from 8pm on 30 April to 8pm on 2 May 2023.”
