Nurses have not been offered the ‘significantly improved’ pay offer promised by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in Scotland Humza Yousaf, the RCN has said.
Yousaf had committed to presenting a ‘significantly improved offer’ when he met with RCN members outside the SNP party conference in Aberdeen on 8 October.
‘It shouldn’t take the very real prospect of strike action for the Scottish government to return to the negotiating table,’ said RCN Scotland Director Colin Poolman.
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‘For too long the Scottish government has expected nursing staff to do more for less. Our members and our NHS are at breaking point. Fair pay is essential for ensuring safe patient care, for retaining our experienced nursing staff and for recruiting into our profession.’
Despite this commitment, an increased offer that is in line with members expectations has yet to be made. Following the meeting with the Cabinet Secretary and Deputy First Minister John Swinney, the joint health trade unions have agreed to maintain negotiations with the aim of reaching a satisfactory offer.
‘Our members have made it clear that yet another pay cut is not acceptable. Our strike ballot continues and I urge every eligible member to cast their vote now,’ added Mr Poolman.