Strike action looms as Mitie staff in Cornwall are balloted over pay

Porters, cleaners and caterers in hospitals across Cornwall are to be balloted for strike action after pay negotiations with NHS contractor Mitie stalled.

UNISON has been in discussions with the employer since December 2017 to bring staff up to the same rates of pay awarded to colleagues working directly for their NHS Trust.

A consultative ballot in May showed 99% of staff are willing to take action and a formal ballot will now take place.

UNISON area organiser Michael Auguste said:

“Mitie has kept workers waiting long enough. It has consistently delayed making an offer to settle this dispute to the increasing frustration of staff.

“A decision was promised in July, that was pushed back to August and now we’re being told to wait until the end of this month.

“We remain hopeful that a firm offer will be tabled in the coming weeks but following the delay we have spoken to members and taken a decision to ballot for industrial action.”