Hundreds of the lowest-paid workers at Great Western Hospital are to be balloted for strike action after being denied a pay rise worth at least £1,655, says their union UNISON today (Wednesday).
An industrial action ballot will open next week (Wednesday 24 July) and could see strike action take place in the autumn. The ballot will close on Wednesday 21 August.
Housekeeping, catering, portering and security staff, who work for private contractor Serco, should be treated fairly and given the same money as colleagues directly employed by the NHS, the union says.
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.
Serco is refusing to honour this for its workers in Swindon. UNISON says this means the firm’s employees have been treated less favourably than their NHS colleagues doing similar work.
Earlier this year, healthcare workers working in community hospitals for Wiltshire Health and Care and Sodexo in North Devon were awarded the £1,655 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.”
