13 October 2003
Southern General porters' deal lifts strike threat
Porters at Glasgow's Southern General Hospital, who are members
of Public Service union UNISON, have lifted the threat of strike
action.
The members are employed by private contractor Mitie Olscot, and
were due to go on strike on Wednesday 15 October. But by voting
to accept an pay and conditions offer they have settled a year-long
dispute.
The offer means the start of a return to terms and conditions similar
to in-house staff for the workers who were previously dubbed 'the
worst off in the NHS'.
The private contract is one of the last still in operation in the
NHS in Scotland. As from 1 October staff will now be entitled to
* a maximum of 25 days annual leave after 10 years service
* 4 months sick pay
* increased responsibility payments for charge hands
UNISON Regional Organiser, Matt McLaughlin said, "Our members welcome
this offer and are pleased that they have reached an amicable solution
without having to resort to disrupting services within the Trust.
In particular the introduction of a sick pay scheme that progresses
towards the full NHS scheme is a significant step in the right direction.
It's not about giving folk the right to go off sick, its about supporting
people and making sure that if they take seriously ill they can
still afford to live whilst taking the time to recuperate fully."
The agreement comes on the back of an earlier agreement to introduce
a minimum wage of £5.18 from £4.26, ensuring the porters are paid
the same as other in-house staff elsewhere in the NHS in Scotland.
ENDS
For Further Information Please Contact: Matt McLaughlin
(Regional Organiser) 0845 355 0845(w) 07946 339036(m) Chris Bartter
(Communications Officer) 0845 355 0845(w) 0771 558 3729(m)
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