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The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is recommending that its Guernsey members reject the three-year pay deal offered to them by the States of Guernsey, with balloting set to begin tomorrow.
The ballot will include two questions; whether members accept or reject the pay offer, and, if rejected, whether they would be prepared to undertake industrial action.
The RCN says the question over strikes is indicative only and will not result in “any action being taken”.
Union members currently employed by the States of Guernsey in Health & Social Care have until 13 September to have their say.
Deputy David Mahoney, Policy & Resources’ lead on employment matters, previously told Express that the pay offer is “very fair” to staff and indicated that the States are not prepared to alter the terms of the offer.
This recent move by the RCN will come as no surprise to Policy & Resources since Deputy Mahoney called on unions to ballot their members in June despite concerns around the offer.
Sarah Johnston, RCN Operational Manager, said the States have failed to engage with the union about the offer.
“There has been zero negotiation with the trade unions on this offer and it’s disappointing that the States have chosen to ignore the burning issue of pay parity that members fought so hard for in 2020,” she said.
Pictured: Deputy David Mahoney has called the offer "fair".
Ms Johnston continued: “It’s crucial that we hear from as many members as possible during the voting period. The result of the vote will instruct the RCN on what can be done next.
“The RCN have presented all the facts and are recommending that members reject the offer. Like other groups on the island, nurses and midwives have been waiting to have their say – this is their chance, and we hope they take it.”
RCN Guernsey members are being asked to vote on the following offer, which has been offered by the States to all public sector staff.
2022 - An uplift of 5% plus a payment of £500 to be added to all pay scales. The £500 will be consolidated into basic pay and will therefore be permanent and pensionable. For the avoidance of doubt, any additional payments, and allowances, etc. that are not calculated with reference to basic pay will be uplifted by 5%. This means, for example, that any bonuses or other contractual entitlements that are set at a flat rate will be increased by 5%. Please note as has been the case for many years, the recruitment and retention premia paid to eligible staff after three and six years’ service will not be uplifted
2023 - An uplift of RPIX as at June 30 2022
2024 - An uplift of RPIX as at June 30 2023 minus 1%. Should RPIX as of this date be less than 1%, the employer will not seek to implement a pay cut and the award for that year would be zero
Express has reached out to HSC for comment on the RCN publication.
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