Bedfordshire NHS strikes enter second day
Around 400 staff are on picket lines, hoping to reach a deal to re-band to a higher pay grade and receive back pay for the years during which they believe they were underpaid
Members of UNISON, the UK's largest trade union, have initiated a significant walkout across hospitals in Bedfordshire, now entering its second day. The strike, driven by an ongoing disagreement regarding pay and job band adjustments, underscores the frustrations of healthcare staff who assert that their responsibilities far exceed their compensation.
Lauren Randall, a Healthcare Assistant at Luton and Dunstable Hospital, expressed the sentiment shared among striking workers: "We're striking because we've been doing clinical duties for years and we've been getting paid a band two wage, which is a low wage. In April, It's going to be like minimum wage. It's tough."
The dispute primarily revolves around the disparity between the duties undertaken by healthcare workers and their current pay grade. According to Lauren, numerous clinical tasks are routinely performed by staff without commensurate compensation.
Despite engaging in negotiations with hospital management, the proposed offers fell short of workers' expectations. Lauren stated, "We've been in talks with them and they said they'd work with us and they came back with an offer, but it wasn't good enough. So we turned it down and we're now on strike."
The strike involves approximately 400 healthcare workers across Bedfordshire, aiming to exert pressure on hospital administrators to address their grievances. However, amidst existing challenges within the healthcare system, the strike adds further strain.
When queried about the duties exceeding their job description, Lauren elaborated on various clinical responsibilities performed routinely, including blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, and ECGs. These additional tasks often necessitate extra hours, exacerbating the strain on workers. "Yeah, we have to. I'm doing extra shifts just to try and get some extra. money - so it's it is hard and we do 12 1/2 hour shifts."
The sentiment among striking workers is one of feeling undervalued and neglected.
"We're just forgotten about. they just don't care about us."
The primary demand of the striking workers is to be re-banded to a higher pay grade (band 3) and receive back pay for the years during which they believe they were underpaid. Lauren emphasized, "Well, we're hoping to be re-banded to band 3 and get the back pay that we deserve."
What do the hospitals say?
A spokesperson for the Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust says an offer to move workers on to a higher pay grade, where applicable, with back pay to July 2021 has been made. Adding that they're in discussion with the Union and remain committed to working collaboratively in bringing the matter to a conclusion.
Cathy Jones, Chief Operating Officer at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said:
“As a result of the industrial action taking place, our hospitals services will be impacted, with patients likely to experience delays during their appointments.
“Both our inpatients and outpatients may receive care from different clinical members of staff throughout the strike period, however all staff are trained and committed to providing the highest level of care.
“We value the vital contribution of our healthcare support workers and are in agreement and fully supportive of the re-banding of these roles. An offer to move workers on to a higher pay grade, where applicable, with back pay to July 2021 has been made.
“We continue to be in active discussions with Unison and our staff about this matter and remain committed to working collaboratively in bringing the matter to a conclusion as soon as possible.”