You know when you have one of those surreal moments when you look around a room and think OMG! I am actually doing this. Well, that’s exactly the feeling I had when I sat with Welsh government officials as the RCN Wales Chief Negotiator in February fighting for the best pay deal I could get for my profession.
Your determination and strength to take strike action and speak out about poor pay and working conditions alongside your concerns about patient safety got the Welsh government to take a historic step and enter negotiations for the first time ever.
You rejected the offers that were on the table telling us you were worth more. So, here we are now in July following months of negotiations and hours of sitting in a ‘’darkened room’’ metaphorically speaking and we have the third offer on the table – what a journey!
When entering the most recent discussions with Welsh government in July, they were clear that there was no more money on the table, but that they were happy to discuss how the previous non pay elements of the pay award could be enhanced and improved. Although this new offer is not directly about pay there are several elements that can put more money in your pockets, and we all need a bit of that.
I would urge you to read the details of the latest offer in principle in this document that the Welsh government have produced.
It is now time for you to decide!
As always you will decide on whether to accept the further offer and end the dispute with the Welsh government or reject the offer and continue the dispute, which may mean you have to be prepared to take strike action. I must make you aware that if the offer is rejected the Welsh government will take it off the table as this was only discussed with RCN Wales and the Society of Radiographers
The most important thing is that you vote!
The consultative online ballot will open at noon on Monday 31 July and will close at noon on 31 August. You will have links sent to you in an email but all you need to do is go to ‘My RCN’ to have your vote.
I know it is now the summer holidays (you wouldn’t think so looking out the window) and you are all busy, some with the children being home and many hopefully taking some time off work, but it is really important that you have your vote – it takes 3 clicks on your phone- why not do it on Monday then it is done – big tick!.
You will see our Board members, Branch Officials, Representatives, and staff out and about in your workplaces please have a chat with them about the offer and they can answer any questions you may have.
I would like to hear what matters to you and what we should be campaigning for and influencing with the Welsh government - you can find me on twitter or you can email CommunicationsWales@rcn.org.uk.
Here is the reminder of the pay awards that you have received to date for 2022-23 and 2023-24
Take care – happy summer holidays!
