Nurses to be balloted about potential strike action

Follows previous rejected pay offers from Manx Care

Nurses employed by Manx Care are to be balloted over whether they would be prepared to breach their employment contracts and take strike action.

The move follows the rejection of the most recent pay offer in November.

Manx Care offered a four percent pay uplift with effect from 1 April 2024 for staff employed at the time an agreement is reached.

This was the third offer made for this pay period and followed previous offers which were rejected by staff.

The Royal College of Nursing says it 'was left concerned that the offer did not include back-pay for those who had already left Manx Care in the months since the offer should have been implemented and, once again, challenged Manx Care on this matter'.

Its North West regional board, TU Committee and Council have now confirmed an indicative ballot asking members if they would be willing to take strike action will take place.

The ballot will run from midday on 26 February until midday on 12 March.

It is open to all members employed by Manx Care.

If the outcome is positive the regional board can proceed to a statutory ballot on industrial action; the RCN Council’s authorisation having already been secured.

Senior Regional Officer for the Isle of Man David Hopton said: "The RCN is clear that industrial action is always a last resort but we are also clear that the skill, professionalism and safety critical work of nursing staff has historically been undervalued, and that patients are being put at risk due to the staffing crisis on the Isle of Man.

"We would urge every member to have their say as they can help shape the future of nursing pay on the Isle of Man."

Manx Radio has contacted Manx Care for comment.