Hundreds of healthcare workers at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth took three days strike of strike action last week in their dispute over pay.
Healthcare assistants, maternity care assistants, imaging care assistants and clinical support workers at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust walked out at midnight on Wednesday 17 June for 72hours.
Over 140 healthcare workers were treated to warm weather and blue skies while they stood strong on the picket line from 7am – 1pm everyday.
NHS guidelines say healthcare assistants on Agenda for Change salary band 2 should only do personal care, like bathing and feeding patients. But these staff often perform clinical tasks, such as taking blood, doing ECGs, and inserting cannulas, which should be on salary band 3, nearly £2,000 more per year. Many long-serving health workers should be at the top of this band.
UNISON wants these staff moved to the correct pay grade and given back pay for their previous work, based on how long they’ve been at the hospital. Other NHS trusts have already done this, like Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, which gave back pay dating back to March 2017.
However, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust hasn’t yet made a similar agreement.
UNISON South West regional secretary Kerry Baigent joined the healthcare workers for their strike action.
Such a privilege to spend time with our members and activists on the picket line this morning.
Strong, determined and united!
— Kerry baigent (@Baigers) July 17, 2024
