Nurses in Guernsey and Alderney to vote on strike action
Nurses in Guernsey and Alderney can vote from today on whether or not to take undertake industrial strike action.
It follows a year long dispute and failed discussions between the union and the States equal pay for work of equal value.
It is the second time in more than a century that a ballot like this has been undertaken.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) says the decision to have a ballot has undergone "rigorous scrutiny" adding that the "safety of patients remains paramount and members will not undertake any action that will put patients at risk".
If the response, of the ballot, by members is "yes" then strike action will take place.
Guernsey's Independent Disputes Officer approached the Unions last month to try to find resolution via a dispute tribunal.
Previous proposal had offered all workers a 5% pay rise, with another 5% increase to the majority of nurses the following year. However, the Royal College of Nursing said it was an insulting offer.
RCN's Regional Director says Until December 2019, the union had never been on strike.
The union says: "If a tribunal resolves the deadlock or the States provide an improved offer and clear timetabled commitment which resolves the lack of pay equality, RCN members will be pleased to reconsider action."
The ballot opens today (Monday 10 February) and will be managed by the Electoral Reform Service. It will run until Friday 28 February.