Nurses will fight just like the doctors have if unsocial hours pay is attacked

摘要

The ongoing exploitation of nurses and other healthcare staff is sickening for RCN activists and other union representatives. Do the masses have the stomach for a fight against the latest paltry 1% pay award, from a pay review body under the cosh of an arrogant government? I don't think so. I hear from many nurses that bank shifts, in addition to the normal working week, are the norm. To consider industrial action against a 1% rise is a non-starter for many who are the main family breadwinner. The action of the junior doctors has been acknowledged and indeed supported by many staff and members of the public. The erosion of nurses' pay by 14% over the past six years has also been noted. The 13% rise offered to doctors will be the minimum expected by nurses. If the government attempts to attack our terms and conditions, for example unsocial hours payments, the response will be very different from the reaction to the 1% award. By taking something away, I am confident of a reaction akin to that of our medical colleagues. More than 430,000 RCN members can make a difference if we all act together. Activists will lead the way, but we need you behind us when the crunch comes. Keep your powder dry for now. When we next call on you, be sure to react loud and clear. You deserve better.