| From the RCM: During September, for the first time in our history, the Royal College of Midwives balloted members working in the NHS in England for industrial action. The ballot closed at noon today on Monday 29th September. YES to both strike action and action short of a strike. The result of the ballot is: Question One: Are you prepared to take part in a strike? Number of votes cast 10,536 Number of individuals answering ‘yes’ 8,464 (82.2%) Number of individuals answering ‘no’ 1,827 (17.8%) Number of spoiled voting papers 245 Question Two: Are you prepared to take part in action short of a strike? Number of votes cast 10,536 Number of individuals answering ‘yes’ 9,466 (94.6%) Number of individuals answering ‘no’ 542 (5.4%) Number of spoiled voting papers 528 This result will send a powerful message that midwives and maternity support workers deserve fair pay. RCM Chief Executive Officer Cathy Warwick met with the RCM Board this afternoon to discuss the result and it was agreed to unite our midwife and maternity support workers working in the NHS in England to take industrial action. The industrial action will start on Monday 13th October. |