Guernsey nurses will have a final vote on whether to strike, next month.
The Royal College of Nursing will hold an industrial action ballot for members in the Bailiwick from 10 to 28 February.
In that time, those who are eligible can post their vote on whether or not they wish to take industrial action, as their pay dispute with the States continues.
If the majority respond 'yes', nurses in Guernsey will strike.
It is only the second time in 103 years that the RCN has undertaken an industrial action ballot.
Pictured: Members of the public joined nurses for a protest march through St Peter Port last year.
Although Guernsey's Independent Disputes Officer approached the unions on Wednesday, asking to come to a resolution via dispute tribunal, the RCN has said it will not delay the ballot. It has, however, said it will contribute fully to the process and will reconsider action if the deadlock can be resolved.
"It's not too late," said RCN Regional Director, Patricia Marquis. "Our door remains open for discussion. No one wants to take this massive step, but our members have been left with no choice.
"They have been very clear in their instruction to us; they want equal pay for work of equal value. They don't feel valued, they feel demoralised and some are seriously considering whether they even stay nursing on Guernsey now. The States need to listen to our concerns and engage fully to agree a resolution.
"Until December 2019, the RCN had never been on strike anywhere. This ended in December when nurses in Norther Ireland took action over pay and severe staffing concerns. Following a short period of strike action, a new government was formed and was able to come to a settlement to end the strikes.
"We hope that all our members will use this once in a lifetime opportunity to have their say."
The union says safety of patients will remain paramount and no one will be put at risk by the action.
Policy & Resource's response to the news is published in full below:
Pictured top: The RCN is demanding a pay rise for Guernsey nurses.
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