Some nurses in Scotland have shown support for strike action amid the current cost of living crisis.
A poll of over 200 nurses found that almost all Scottish nurses who were questioned are unhappy with the current pay offer from the NHS, with more than half supporting industrial action, which could include strikes. Nurses are represented by a number of unions in Scotland, including the Royal College of Nursing, Unison, GMB, and Unite.
Following a five percent pay award offer earlier in the year, the unions were quick to point out that the increased pay fell below the current level of inflation. Unison said in a statement that they were recommending that their members reject the pay offer.
Wilma Brown, Chair of UNISON Scotland’s health committee, said: “NHS staff are angry. They see bills going through the roof and feel the Scottish Government should be doing more to support them with the highest inflation in living memory."
The Royal College of Nursing also urged nurses to reject the offer in a ballot - which also asked if members would take industrial action - which has now closed.
Now, a poll of 229 nursing staff in Scotland has been conducted by NursingNotes, it found that 92 percent of nurses polled would reject the recent NHS pay offer. It also found that 67 percent of the nurses polled said they would support industrial action, up to and including strike action.
Julie Lamberth, Chair, RCN Scotland Board, Said: "From petrol to food to energy prices, and the argument for an above-inflation pay increase for our hard-pressed nursing staff is more compelling than ever.
"The latest pay offer does not match our expectations of an above-inflation award, but it is right that our members should have the final say on whether to accept or reject the offer."
It comes amid a number of strikes in Scotland, with RMT industrial action set to disrupt Scottish rail services next week despite ScotRail employees not taking part in the action. The strikes will have an impact on ScotRail services due to Network Rail Scotland workers walking out.
However, the RMT has now rejected a pay increase of five percent as well as a revenue sharing programme for ScotRail ticket examiners, conductors and station staff. The union says that they are hoping to go into urgent talks with ScotRail to avoid strike action.
More than 100,000 Royal Mail staff members will also strike over four days in August and September in a call for a "dignified, proper pay rise".
Unite members employed by DHL in Scotland, as well as those working in waste, recycling, and street cleaning in Edinburgh have planned strike action this month as well.
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