Nurses on the Isle of Man have said they are willing to go on strike again over their pay.
Members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) have shown their support for taking strike action over the 4% pay deal imposed by Manx Care for 2024-25.
“We are now in a position to proceed to a statutory ballot on industrial action”
Simon Browes
The RCN North West branch said 70% of members on the island who took part in the indicative ballot had said they were willing to strike.
The college is now negotiating with Manx Care before it decides whether to go ahead with a formal ballot that would make it legal for its members to walk out.
It comes after a different vote by RCN members at the end of 2024 in which they rejected the 4% pay deal.
The pay offer has since been implemented by Manx Care after seven out of nine unions in the Manx Pay Terms and Conditions/National Joint Council accepted it.
Alongside the RCN, members of the Royal College of Midwives also rejected the deal.
The latest ballot result continues long-running tension between nurses, Manx Care and the Isle of Man government over pay.
In 2023, members of the RCN made history when they held the first-ever strike by nursing staff on the island.
One of the RCN’s key concerns about the latest offer for 2024-25 is that it fails to cover back pay for nursing staff who left the service before they could see the benefit of it.
“Manx Care remains committed to exploring alternatives in the workplace”
Manx Care spokesperson
RCN North West regional director Simon Browes said the result of the new ballot “speaks for itself”.
He added: “Whilst next steps will need to be discussed, the majority of our members have made their voices clear.
“We are now in a position to proceed to a statutory ballot on industrial action, allowing our members to lawfully strike.
“We are asking Manx Care to consider this strong message and to continue negotiations with our members.”
Manx Care said it was holding meetings with the RCN to try and find a resolution.
In a statement provided on 18 March, a spokesperson said: “Whilst the indicative ballot shows support for industrial action from the membership who voted, in line with the Trade Unions Act 1991, this is not a formal ballot for strike action, and Manx Care remains committed to exploring alternatives in the workplace.
“The RCN has advised Manx Care they are available for meetings to resolve the dispute, and executives from Manx Care held an initial meeting with RCN representatives on 17 March.
“Further meetings are scheduled. The purpose of these meetings is to understand what the RCN is seeking in terms of [a] satisfactory settlement.”
More about pay disputes on the Isle of Man
