Northern Ireland nurses strike ballot opens amid ongoing pay dispute
Nurses across Northern Ireland are being balloted on industrial action, including possible strike action, following continued delays in implementing their 2026/27 pay award.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has launched the ballot amid growing frustration among healthcare workers who have yet to receive a pay increase already implemented for colleagues elsewhere in the UK.
The ballot comes as the Department of Health warns that continued uncertainty could increase the likelihood of industrial action during the winter months.
Nursing staff frustrated by pay delays
The dispute centres on the outstanding 2026/27 pay award for Health and Social Care staff working under Agenda for Change terms and conditions.
A 3.3% increase was recommended earlier this year, but nursing staff in Northern Ireland are still awaiting implementation.
The RCN previously warned that repeated delays were damaging morale and leaving staff facing additional financial pressures.
Professor Rita Devlin, Executive Director of the RCN in Northern Ireland, has criticised the recurring delays and called for nursing staff to receive the same treatment as colleagues elsewhere in the UK.
Health Minister acknowledges concerns
In a statement issued on Wednesday 14 October, the Department of Health said Minister Robbie Butler understood the frustration felt by nurses and other Health and Social Care staff.
A departmental spokesperson acknowledged that staff had waited too long for clarity on this year’s pay award.
The Department warned that every additional delay risked damaging relations with trade unions and increasing the possibility of industrial action during winter.
It also highlighted the potential consequences for patients, waiting lists and service delivery.
Concerns over winter disruption
The Department said the Minister remained committed to implementing the outstanding award and restoring pay parity with NHS England as soon as possible.
Work is also continuing on introducing the Real Living Wage across Health and Social Care and wider structural pay reform.
The ballot will determine whether eligible RCN members support industrial action, including strike action.
No dates for potential walkouts have been announced.
Any future industrial action could affect hospitals and other health services throughout Northern Ireland, depending on the outcome of the ballot and subsequent decisions by the union.
Department of Health — Statement on RCN industrial action ballot, 14 October 2026
Royal College of Nursing — Northern Ireland industrial action announcement
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