Planned nurses strike paused

RCN members to consider a new offer from Manx Care

A planned nurses strike on the Island has been paused while the Royal College of Nursing considers a new offer from Manx Care.

Members of the union had been due to strike for two days next week in a row over pay and working conditions.

The revised offer would see a further 2.75 per cent consolidated uplift on the 6 per cent that has already been awarded for 2022/23, equating to an 8.75 per cent pay rise for that year. 

Union members rejected the initial offer in previous ballots.

The pay award of 4 per cent for the year 2021/2022 remains unchanged, providing a total pay offer of 12.75 per cent over two years.

The ongoing dispute has already led to two days of strike action by nurses on the island.

The RCN was invited to talks late last week (5 October) where an offer was discussed and a formal letter in writing confirming this offer arrived with the RCN on Monday.  

Estephanie Dunn, Regional Director for the RCN in the North West, said: “We are pleased to have been invited back to the table to negotiate on nursing pay. Talks were more positive, however until we had any offer in writing it would be naïve to have paused our strike action.  

“Our members have made it clear that they have had enough through their strong representation on the picket line. We have consulted with the local branch and regional board and the decision has been made to pause action until members have had their say,

"This is a step in the right direction, but it will ultimately be our members who decide if the offer is enough to end this dispute, for now.  We still have some way to go to really believe that the Manx government are investing in the sustainable future of nursing on the Isle of Man. This is about fair pay for a profession that is so valuable to the community, protecting the health and care sector on the island, and ensuring patients get the care they deserve."

Manx Radio has approached Manx Care for comment.