I know that my international colleagues are scared of the unknowns of striking, of what might happen if we speak up.
But I also know that this is the only way we have a chance to get the government to listen to us. In Nigeria, where I鈥檓 originally from, the government doesn鈥檛 listen. Industrial action is an important tool there to make change happen.
Here too, the government hasn鈥檛 listened. Diplomacy has failed. We鈥檝e tried to reason and it hasn鈥檛 worked.
By standing up for ourselves and voting for strike action, we show the government that we mean business.
Nursing is one of the most difficult jobs. We鈥檙e dealing with people鈥檚 lives and the public relies on us. We should be better appreciated and paid for the work we do. Having to work long hours and extra shifts as standard or to make up our salary each month isn鈥檛 OK.
Most of all, it impacts patient safety. Taking on too many shifts, not getting enough rest and not having enough staff means patients aren鈥檛 safe.
If we can get everyone together, we can go a long way
There are challenges, for sure. But it鈥檚 important to recognise we鈥檙e not doing anything wrong by advocating for ourselves. Not breaking any codes or patient confidentiality.
I鈥檓 definitely voting to strike and feel safe and confident with that choice, knowing it鈥檚 the right thing to do and that the RCN is there as the leading voice.
If we can get everyone together and on board, we can go a long way.More information
- Find out more about the Fair Pay for Nursing campaign and how you can get involved.
- Read our industrial action handbook and FAQs.
