Healthcare workers employed by University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust will protest outside a board meeting at Poole Hospital today (Wednesday), says UNISON.
Campaigners are angry at plans to transfer more than 1,300 NHS employees into a new subsidiary company.
They argue the move, proposed by Dorset HealthCare, Dorset County Hospital, and University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trusts, goes against ministers’ promises to insource public services*.
Staff, including porters, cleaners, caterering and estates team workers say the move would threaten their pay, pensions and job security, and create a two-tier workforce within the NHS.
The protest outside the main hospital entrance on Longfleet Road will start at 9:30am as board members arrive for the 10am meeting.
It coincides with National Healthcare Estates & Facilities Day, which is when hospital trusts are supposed to recognise and celebrate their estates and facilities staff.
UNISON says staff feel insulted by token celebrations offered by employers looking to outsource them.
UNISON South West regional secretary Kerry Baigent said: “Instead of celebrating the brilliant work done by estates and facilities staff, the trust is putting their pay and job security at risk.
“Porters, cleaners, caterers and estates staff are the backbone of every hospital. They deserve the same rights and protections as any other NHS worker, not the uncertainty of being outsourced to a private company.”
Royal Bournemouth Hospital housekeeper Julie said: “They’re handing out free cake and coffee to thank us, while at the same time planning to ship us out of the NHS. It’s insulting.
“We don’t want freebies, we want respect, fair treatment, and to stay in the NHS.”
