Serco workers set for two-week strike at London hospitals

Private contractor Serco is facing a two-week long strike from its employees at four hospitals in London, as they continue to fight for an increase in wages.

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Following discussions between Serco and Unite officials last week, no agreement could be reached in order to avoid a third strike in the last month from the NHS workers.

The Serco workers held a 48-hour demonstration on 4 July, before ratcheting up the pressure with a seven-day strike a week later. The latest protest will be followed by further prolonged action if there is no improved offer from Serco, Unite said on Monday.

The strike involves domestic staff in four hospitals which form part of the Barts Health NHS trust, with over 700 cleaners, catering staff and porters expected to walk out on Tuesday.

Unite regional officer Ruth Hydon said: “Hundreds of low paid workers remain determined to fight for a decent pay rise which recognises the important contribution they make to keeping Barts safe and clean.

“Serco is failing to seriously address the genuine concerns of the low paid workforce who are getting even poorer year on year. Serco is a multimillion pound company and it can afford to reward its workers fairly.

Hydon went on to say that Serco should ‘get serious’ about the dispute and return to the negotiating table with an adequate offer for its staff.

'ABSOLUTE PRIORITY'

Serco defended its actions ahead of the beginning of the latest strike, and affirmed that its priority during the strike was to ensure the hospitals continue to serve patients effectively.

“In agreement with the Trust, we guaranteed to pay our staff at least the London Living Wage of £9.75/hr from day one of our contract, which has resulted in an average increase in pay of 3.5% for over 140 permanent staff,” said Serco contract director Phil Mitchell.

“Our absolute priority during the strike has been to continue ensuring a safe, clean and caring environment for patients. Feedback from the Trust on how we have maintained services and patient safety has been positive and we have robust plans in place to ensure we can continue to support the Trust’s hospitals to operate as normal during Unite’s action.”