RCN Wales halts July strike action following Welsh Government talks

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales has announced the suspension of its scheduled strike action for the 12th and 13th of July.

The decision follows an invitation by the Welsh Government for further discussions on non-pay elements of the recent pay award.

This development also means the RCN Wales statutory ballot, which was due to open on 3rd July, will be put on hold.

RCN members previously rejected the latest pay offer from the Welsh Government, resulting in strike action earlier this month.

However, the revised pay package was implemented after a majority of other health unions accepted the deal.

RCN Wales is seeking commitments from the Welsh Government to enhance the working conditions of the nursing workforce, addressing members’ concerns about patient safety and the future of the nursing profession.

RCN Wales Director, Helen Whyley, highlighted the effectiveness of their June strike action in prompting the government’s responsiveness.

“Our strike action in June has clearly been effective as the Welsh government has listened to RCN members voices about issues facing nursing in Wales and have reached out to RCN Wales for official discussions on non-pay elements of working conditions,” she said.

Whyley added, “Industrial action continues to be a last resort for nursing staff. The pressure put on the Welsh government by our members has been key to these talks commencing.”

The RCN Wales Board has agreed that the scheduled ballot launch and strike action should be put on hold in favour of returning to official talks on behalf of its members in Wales.

Whyley expressed optimism that the discussions would result in significant positive outcomes for NHS nursing staff, improving their terms and conditions in addition to the implemented pay award.

Discussions are expected to be time-limited, and RCN Wales will update its members on the outcomes in due course.

It remains to be seen whether this resumption of dialogue will signal the end of the ongoing dispute between the nursing union and the Welsh Government.