Nurses to Strike This December Amid Pay and Safety Clash!
RCN Announces First Phase of Strike Action
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has confirmed strike dates for Thursday 15 and Tuesday 20 December. This follows the UK government’s rejection of the RCN’s offer for formal, detailed negotiations to avoid industrial action.
Pay Dispute and Patient Safety at Heart of the Crisis
The row isn’t just about pay – it’s also rooted in concerns over patient safety. While nurses will still deliver emergency care during strike days, routine services are expected to take a serious hit.
RCN Boss Slams Ministers for ‘Ignoring’ Talks
RCN General Secretary & Chief Executive Pat Cullen blasted ministers, saying:
“Ministers have had more than two weeks since we confirmed that our members felt such injustice that they would strike for the first time. My offer of formal negotiations was declined and instead ministers have chosen strike action. They have the power and the means to stop this by opening serious talks that address our dispute.”
She added: “Nursing staff have had enough of being taken for granted, enough of low pay and unsafe staffing levels, enough of not being able to give our patients the care they deserve.”
What’s Next?
More details on the strike will be revealed next week. Stay tuned for updates as this critical standoff unfolds.
