Hospital porters in Southampton to strike over allegations of bullying and harassment
60 workers say they've been refused breaks and denied water
Hospital porters in Southampton have voted to go on strike over bullying and harassment.
Over 60 workers at the General claim they've had breaks refused, denied water and been required to tell their managers when they need the toilet.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our Southampton hospital porters have stood up and made it completely clear they will not tolerate bullying and harassment any longer. It is shameful that even when presented with the facts, hospital management has failed to act to end the abuse.”
“Unite’s laser-like focus on the jobs, pay and conditions of its members will mean that our porters will receive the union’s absolute support.”
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust says it's launched an external investigation.
Unite regional officer Kate Attwooll said: “The strike action will inevitably cause serious disruption across the hospital but this is entirely the fault of management, they are well aware of the problems but have failed to take action to prioritise staff and patient safety and dignity.
“Strike action could still be avoided but that would require management introducing the changes needed to end the endemic bullying of porters at UHS.”
Staff will down tools over a number of days starting later this month.