David Young-
Cleaners and porters employed by outsourcing giant G4S at Croydon’s Mayday Hospital are set to embark on a 48-hour strike, commencing at midnight on Sunday.
The action, led by members of the GMB union, is a resounding call for equal pay and conditions akin to those enjoyed by NHS staff, which includes one-off payments and bonuses.
The GMB union had earlier conducted a ballot of its members, with a resounding majority voting in favor of the strike action. The demand for equitable treatment and better working conditions underscores the urgent need for fair recognition and rewards for these essential healthcare support workers.
Helen O’Connor, a representative of the GMB, emphasized the significance of cleaning and portering services in the seamless operation of Croydon Hospital. She pointed out that it is not only in the interest of patients but also the broader community and NHS colleagues that these critical employees receive just and decent treatment.
“What is at stake is more than just wages and benefits,” O’Connor noted. “The contracts that most of these workers are bound by fail to provide the same sick pay and other benefits as their NHS counterparts.”
O’Connor added, “Our members are fed up with feeling as if they are treated as disposables, akin to the rubbish they handle daily. It is time for change.”
The GMB has issued an ultimatum to both G4S and the Croydon NHS Trust. They have called for a serious offer to resolve the dispute; otherwise, the workers are prepared to launch an escalating program of strike actions.
The 48-hour strike, set to begin next Monday and Tuesday, underscores the seriousness of the workers’ demands and serves as a symbol of the broader struggle for fairness and justice in labor rights.
This strike echoes similar actions taking place nationwide, as workers across various sectors push for better working conditions and pay that reflect the vital role they play in the workforce.
A spokesperson from Croydon Health Services NHS Trust said in a statement to The Eye Of Media.Com:
“Our portering and domestic teams play a vital role in the care we deliver to our patients and our support for them, as with all of our staff, remains our top priority, along with providing the highest possible quality of care to our patients.
“Whilst the terms of an individual’s employment are a matter for G4S as their employer, as a Trust we have demonstrated our commitment to ensuring all of our contractors receive fair pay and conditions. This has included providing additional funding to ensure salaries were uplifted to reflect the London Living Wage.”