Suspension of Industrial Action Amid Government Negotiations
Upcoming strikes by nurses, ambulance personnel, and other healthcare workers in Wales have been suspended following a new pay proposal from the Welsh government. The GMB union had planned a strike for Monday, while the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) was set to walk out on both Monday and Tuesday.
Both unions confirmed the suspension of their planned actions, although strikes in England will proceed as scheduled. Additionally, a physiotherapist strike in Wales set for Tuesday has also been called off.
The RCN stressed the necessity for the Prime Minister to engage in urgent negotiations with nurses in England now that the Welsh government, alongside Scotland, has reopened discussions regarding the NHS pay award for the current financial year.
Following negotiations, the Welsh government has proposed an additional 3% pay increase for the 2022/23 period. The RCN intends to present this new offer to its members for a vote in the coming days.
A statement from the RCN highlighted that Westminster remains the only government unwilling to reconsider the current NHS pay situation and to engage in negotiations that could prevent strike actions.
In England, the RCN plans to intensify its strike efforts next week, with participation from 73 NHS trusts, an increase from 44 in December and 55 in January. RCN General Secretary Pat Cullen remarked, “If other governments can negotiate and secure additional funding, the Prime Minister must do the same. Rishi Sunak’s refusal to assist nursing staff is a choice, not a necessity.”
Cullen reiterated the commitment to cancelling strikes when negotiations are underway, noting the recent agreements in Scotland and Wales. She warned that if nurses in England remain the lowest paid in the UK, ongoing strikes are likely.
GMB official Nathan Holman commented, “Following intense discussions, GMB has agreed to pause strike action while further negotiations occur. We are doing this in good faith, but we maintain a strong mandate for industrial action should our members reject the offer or if negotiations do not progress as promised.”
