BBC
Nurses in Scotland are set to strike after voting down the latest pay offer for NHS workers.
Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland members rejected an average increase of 7.5%. The union said it was planning for industrial action and would announce dates early next year.
Royal College of Midwives (RCM) members also rejected the pay deal.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said he was disappointed but would “leave no stone unturned” to avoid strikes.
In the RCN ballot that closed on Monday, 82% voted against the offer.
The union, which has more than 30,000 NHS members in Scotland, had asked for an increase of at least 5% above inflation – which is currently 10.7%.
Julie Lamberth, RCN Scotland board chair, said nurses had “forcefully rejected” the deal.
She added: “Make no mistake – we do not want to go on strike. Years of being undervalued and understaffed have left us feeling we have been left with no option because enough is enough.
“The ball is in Scottish government’s court if strike action is going to be avoided.”
