NHS Tayside estate worker strike action extended
Unite says its members will take action for three days each week, in addition to withdrawing weekend cover
Estates workers in NHS Tayside are going on strike from Wednesday, as they extend their industrial action in a dispute over pay and conditions.
Unite says its members will take action for three days each week, in addition to withdrawing weekend cover.
It’s after workers agreed to strike for two days per week.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: "Unite has sought to resolve this dispute through negotiation and arbitration but NHS Tayside is refusing to listen to anyone but themselves.
"They have left our members with no option but to escalate their industrial action.
"Our members are determined to get what they deserve - fair and equal treatment - and Unite will continue to support our members all the way."
"No impact on patient care"
The dispute involves around 60 estates workers including electricians, joiners, and plumbers.
The extension of the strike days means they will not return to work until 8am on Monday.
NHS Tayside has earlier said the dispute affects only the estates department at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and there will be no impact on patient care.
A spokesperson for the health board said: "We are extremely disappointed that Unite are escalating their industrial action. We have contingency arrangements in place. Throughout the strike action which has been running since the end of September, no clinical activity has been affected.
"We are dismayed at some of the statements made by Unite which are not reflective of what is happening in Ninewells or other parts of the NHS Tayside estate.
"The contingency arrangements means there have been no concerns relating to building environments across the NHS Tayside estate. There has been no widespread heating or hot water issues in any areas reported by clinical or estates teams. Any maintenance issues reported are being dealt with as normal.
"NHS Tayside has proactively contacted Unite throughout the dispute several times in the past week to continue discussions. Management met with staff last week in an open question and answer session in which many questions were raised and responded to in relation to the dispute.
"NHS Tayside remains committed to resolving the dispute and believes that there are still routes for resolution open to both parties.