Strike set to 'decimate' services at Orpington's Princess Royal Hospital

More than 100 workers at Princess Royal University Hospital are set to down tools from early morning on Wednesday 29 until midnight on Thursday 30 May.

Members of GMB, the union for healthcare workers, voted to take action over a number of workplace issues, including regularly delayed pay and non-payment of a Covid bonus paid to other colleagues on site.

The striking workers are employed by the hospital’s private contractor ISS as cleaners, caterers, porters and security staff.

Anyone wishing to visit the picket line can do so any time from Wednesday 29 May 00:01 to Thursday 30 May at 23:59, with a demonstration photocall between 9am and 10am on Wednesday.

The demonstration will be outside the Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough Common, Orpington, BR6 8ND

Helen O’Connor, GMB Regional Organiser said: 

“During this strike we expect cleaning, portering, and catering standards at the PRUH to be decimated.

“These workers have no choice but to go on strike, with ISS continually delaying pay and refusing to offer the non-consolidated bonus given to other workers on site but who work for different employers.

“If we as a community want Princess Royal Hospital to remain a safe environment, these workers need to be paid their dues.

“GMB members don’t want to go on strike, but if the Trust and ISS management refuse to negotiate in good faith, they aren’t afraid to exercise their collective power.”

Contact: Helen O’Connor on 07506 711574