Midwives in Wales have rejected the Welsh government’s wage offer after a planned strike was called off. The result follows a consultation by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) on the proposal, completed yesterday.
Just under a third (32.3%) of eligible midwives and maternity support professionals (MSWs) voted for the two-week online consultation, with 82% rejecting the proposal and 17.79% in favor. The referendum follows a break in a planned strike by RCM members scheduled for February 7.
However, the collective response of most unions in the Welsh Partnership Forum, including the RCM, is to accept the proposal. The RCM will start further discussions with the Welsh government on the implementation of the proposal and will push for salary discussions to start in 2023/24.
Nurses reject Welsh government pay offer, call for urgent talks or strike resumption
Julie Richards, Wales Director at RCM, said: “This was an updated offer that we believe the Welsh Government has made in good faith to move forward with the payment and start improving maternity services for staff and women. From this result, it is clear that our members are still frustrated with the level of remuneration, working conditions and lack of resources to provide the best service.
“The Welsh government has made it clear that there is no more money on the table to improve the wage offer, as it is being hidden by the money they receive from the Westminster government. The Welsh government has promised to improve its offer if more money arrives.”
CRM will now take the findings to its board of directors to decide next steps. After the December vote, RCM members voted overwhelmingly in favor of mass action on the payment, giving the RCM a strong mandate for protest action in Wales.
Julie Richards said: “Ultimately it is for the Westminster government to decide. They are the ones who really need to push themselves to get more money to pay here in Wales and across the UK. Our members work incredibly hard, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to care for women, babies and their families. They need and deserve better wages and we will continue to campaign to make that a reality.”
She previously said there was a “growing crisis” in maternity services in Wales, adding: “We’re losing midwives because they just can’t handle the incredible effort they have to put in to keep services safe.”
Source: Wales Online
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
