Northern Ireland pay award does nothing to dent 'determination to act', say Royal College of Midwives

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) announced last month that it is considering a ballot of its members in Northern Ireland on industrial action, after a survey found 90% are prepared to go on strike.

It has already opened ballots of members in England and Wales on the same pay deal announced on Thursday for Northern Ireland health service staff, with the verdict of midwives in those countries expected in the coming days.A spokesperson for the trade union said: “The RCM consulted its members on the Northern Ireland pay offer last month. Nearly 90% said they would be prepared to take industrial action if the current NHS Pay Review Body’s recommendations of a 4% pay award were implemented.”

Karen Murray, RCM director for Northern Ireland, said: “This has taken too long, it changes nothing, and it will certainly not change the feelings of our members about their pay. Their message to us was clear; 4% was not good enough then and it is not good enough now. Can it be right that hard working and dedicated health professionals are having to use food banks, and think hard about eating or heating, now in the 21st century?”

“Those in power must come forward with a better and inflation busting pay offer. The one that is being forced on them now will not quieten their disappointment or put a single dent in their determination to act for better pay, better conditions, and better maternity services.”