Nurses' threats of industrial action are "premature"

Tuesday 29 October 2019

The Committee for Policy & Resources has formally lodged its dispute over Guernsey nurses' pay with the Industrial Disputes Officer.

It took action after three unions, including the Royal College of Nursing, voted to reject the committee's latest pay deal.

90% of voting RCN members also said they would be in favour of industrial action following the "patronising" offer.

Pictured: Policy & Resources President Deputy Gavin St Pier.

"This was an improved offer which was made following informal conciliation through the Industrial Disputes Officer, in recognition of the vital role of nurses in our health system and our community and in the genuine hope it would help bring the dispute to a resolution," a P&R spokesperson said.

"Having exhausted all other options, the committee has lodged the dispute formally with the Industrial Disputes Officer in the hope this will lead to a swift and fair resolution.

Pictured: Hundreds of people took to the streets of Guernsey recently to support local nurses in their fight for more pay.

"The Policy & Resources Committee hopes the union will recognise this as the appropriate next step and that the suggestion of pursuing industrial action, which could cause disruption and distress for patients, is premature."

More information on the pay offer is available here.