Confirmation that plans to implement a grossly unfair acute on call rota for midwives in South Tyneside and Sunderland have been scrapped has been welcomed by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM)
The RCM says the U-turn by the Trust is as a result of ‘members collectively standing strong together’ and turning out in their numbers to vote yes in a recent ballot on industrial action.
The on-call proposals would have effectively seen midwives having their on call working hours extended, running into their much-needed days off. Which would mean midwives being on call for an additional 18 days a year.
The RCM says it’s pleased the Trust has issued an apology to members for failing to meaningfully consult with them over the past two years on this issue and has now agreed to work with the RCM to resolve this and other pressing issues in the maternity service.
Commenting, RCM’s Regional Head for the North of England, Lynne Galvin said:
“We are delighted to say that as a direct result of the unanimous vote in our recent ballot which showed our members strength of feeling on this issue and their willingness to take industrial action, we have managed to stop the implementation of this compulsory on call system. This outcome could also not have been achieved without the work of our RCM Activists on the ground. It’s a really great example of why its so important to be a member of the RCM, to get active with your Branch and ultimately how RCM members standing up together can positively influence unfair work practices that employers attempt to impose on hardworking midwives. It also sends a strong message to employers elsewhere that where there are attempts to make changes without agreement, RCM members can and will exercise their rights to speak up and take action on issues that affect their working lives, and the RCM will be there to help amplify their voices.”
The RCM says confirmation that South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust have now expressed willingness to ‘get back around the table’ and discuss alternative proposals is a ‘solid step forward’. With meetings now scheduled by the RCM with the Trust to set out its impacted members position and find a reasonable and fair way forward to begin negotiations from.
Lynne added:
“No midwife wants to take industrial action; it’s not in their DNA and it’s always a last resort. What’s important now is that we can find a fair way forward for our members, they know what the barriers are to this on call working model so the Trust really have to listen to them so we can find a fairer, safer on call model, that works not only for the midwives on call, but ensures the safety of care being delivered to women is not compromised. The outcome of the ballot has certainly put us in a stronger negotiating position, but should these talks fail to reach a mutually agreed position, we still have a mandate to take industrial action up to February next year.”
ENDS
