Union opens ballot on improved working condition proposals for nurses

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN Wales) has opened its members’ ballot on proposals to improve working conditions in the health sector.

The union, along with the Society of Radiographers, have remained in dispute with the Welsh government after voting to reject the 2022-23 pay award back in May.

Talks between RCN Wales and the Welsh government on improvements to NHS pay, terms and conditions have now concluded, with a ballot opening today (31 July) on the new proposals put forward by Health Minister Eluned Morgan.

The new offer includes improvements to flexible working arrangements, overtime payments, and commitments to review national role profiles and steps to limit the care patients receive in inappropriate settings.

RCN Wales will be balloting members on the new offer until Thursday 31 August and is not making a recommendation on how members vote.

The outcome of this vote will determine the next step in the RCN’s ongoing trade dispute with the Welsh government.

Helen Whyley, Director RCN Wales said: “Our members have always acted in the best interest of their profession and the safety of their patients.

“It is their sheer determination, and the threat of further strikes that once again forced the Welsh government to do better.

“These improvements could have a significant impact on the working lives of our members and their ability to deliver high-quality patient care whilst maintaining their own wellbeing.

“While they focus on non-pay elements of nurses’ terms and conditions, several of them will result in more money in our members’ pockets.

“As always, our members will decide whether these terms go far enough to end our current dispute with the Welsh government and NHS organisations.

“These latest improvements, if accepted, will pave the way for full pay restoration in the years to come and our continued work with the Welsh government to secure the best for members.

“The campaign will not stop here whatever the outcome. We know that to achieve fair pay for nursing and a safely staffed workforce, we need short-, medium- and long-term action from the government and we will continue to demand and secure just that.”

Health Minister Eluned Morgan said: “I am pleased that, in partnership, we have been able to further develop and clarify some of the non-pay elements of the award which are of most concern to the professions represented by the two unions.

“RCN and SoR will now consult their respective members with a view to establishing whether this is sufficient to resolve their dispute.

“The Welsh Government remains fully committed to working in tripartite social partnership, through our Welsh Partnership Forum, to deliver better working lives for NHS staff and better public services for our people.