Strike ballot opens for workers at Great Western Hospital

Housekeepers, porters and security staff are all being balloted for possible strike action

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 24th Jul 2024

Housekeepers, porters, catering and security staff are all being balloted for possible strike action as it's claimed they're being denied a pay boost worth more than ÂŁ1600.

Those who work for Serco aren't being honoured the pay deal agreed last year - as they blame a funding application being rejected.

The result of the ballot, which closes on August 21, could see strike action take place in the autumn.

In June 2023, a deal was agreed for staff on NHS contracts (Agenda for Change pay scales), which included a one-off payment for the previous financial year.

The Unison Union claim that Serco is refusing to honour this for its workers in Swindon, in what has been described as a 'postcode lottery' for these workers, compared to similar staff at other hospitals across the country.

Earlier this year, healthcare workers working in community hospitals for Wiltshire Health and Care and Sodexo in North Devon were awarded the ÂŁ1,655 lump sum after several days of strike action.

UNISON South West regional manager Jayne Jackson said: “These dedicated staff keep NHS services running in Swindon. Without them, Great Western Hospital would grind to a halt.

“They deserve recognition for their work, which is every bit as important as that of their NHS colleagues. That means being paid fairly.

“Put simply, Serco should pay up. All its employees are asking for is to be given the same as health staff working directly for the NHS.

“The lump sum would make a great difference to them all. It would also make financial sense for Serco. Giving staff the extra cash would stop many currently thinking of leaving from quitting the firm and the NHS for good.”

A Serco spokesperson said: “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.”

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