Week-long hospital strike to go ahead as talks fail
Industrial action to commence this weekend across SLaM, incorporating a march on Downing Street next Wednesday.
GMB, the union for hospital staff, can confirm that the industrial action scheduled next week across South London & Maudsley NHS Trust will go ahead as planned.
Talks between the union and ISS who employ the members broke down yesterday [Wednesday 21 March], with the company failing to offer an improved hourly rate of pay.
The union members are employed as domestic and catering staff in the four hospital sites across South London.
The strike action will commence on Saturday 24 June and last for seven days, with the members having taken six days of action already in the dispute.
Helen O’Connor, GMB Regional Organiser said:
“GMB’s representatives engaged in ACAS talks in good faith and are disappointed they are only being offered pay rises they should have had years ago.
“Our members are widely supported by local MPs and their communities and we are now calling on ISS and SLAM management to stop burying their heads in the sand.
“These talks should have taken place weeks ago and ISS should have been prepared to make an improved offer, either of which might have avoided this strike action this weekend.
“The cleaning contract is currently being negotiated and GMB is clear that these services need bringing back in-house - a message we are taking to Downing Street next week.”
Media enquiries: Helen O'Connor on 07506711574
