Serco workers to 'escalate strike action' at Great Western Hospital
Staff will walk out in their ongoing dispute over pay
Weeks after a 48-hour strike by staff at Swindon's Great Western Hospital, we now know those who work for the contractor, Serco, will now be 'escalating' their action - as the ongoing dispute currently shows no sign of getting resolved.
Caterers, housekeepers, security guards and porters are now due to take further strikes, beginning the second 48-hour round of action at 7am on November 11th.
It comes as they continue in their demand of the same one-off payments already awarded to their NHS colleagues.
The contractor blame a funding application being rejected for staff in Swindon not to be given the same award as colleagues in other parts of the country.
The wage deal
The wage deal agreed for NHS staff on Agenda for Change contracts in June 2023 included two lump-sum payments for the previous financial year (2022/23).
However, the UNISON union says Serco has refused to pass on the one-off bonuses – worth at least £1,655 – to Great Western employees.
The union adds workers for Serco, who perform crucial roles at the hospital, are being unfairly treated when compared with counterparts employed directly by the NHS.
Earlier this year, similar disputes at other healthcare sites, including in North Devon and Wiltshire, were resolved after employees secured the lump-sum payment through strike action.
Read more: Serco workers begin 48-hour strike after 'unanimous' ballot
'Deeply unjust'
UNISON South West regional organiser Tom Kennedy-Hughes said: “Serco’s refusal to honour the NHS pay deal is deeply unjust and has left hard-working hospital staff struggling to make ends meet.
“Serco posted profits of more than £249m in 2023, so there’s no justification for denying its employees the same financial recognition as NHS workers. Staff have been left with no choice but to strike to secure the fair pay they’re entitled to.
“It’s not too late for Serco to avoid further disruption. The company simply needs to treat its employees fairly.”
'We will continue to work with UNISON'
A Serco spokesperson previously told Greatest Hits Radio: “Serco has a great relationship with our colleagues and UNISON at Great Western Hospital and we are as disappointed as they are that our NHS funding application for the non-consolidated agenda for change bonus has not been successful.
"We will continue to work with Unison to find a mutually acceptable outcome to this issue.”
Read more: Serco workers vote 'unanimously' for strike action in ballot