Monday 23rd April 2012
SERCO CUTS OFF FORMAL DIALOGUE WITH GMB AT PLYMOUTH HOSPITAL IN A DISPUTE ABOUT CUTS TO STAFF HOURS AND CHANGES TO ROSTERS
If the matter is not resolved it will lead to a formal dispute between GMB and Serco on the Plymouth hospital site
A dispute is brewing between private contractor Serco and GMB union at Plymouth hospital after the company responded to a GMB campaign to stop cuts in terms and conditions of employment at GMB members working at Derriford site by refusing to talk to the union. This is completely unacceptable and if it is not resolved with lead to a dispute.
Serco has taken this action because over the last nine months GMB has opposed a number of large scale workforce changes on the Derriford site in Plymouth hospital by the. These changes, some of which have been implemented without consultation with GMB, are detrimental to GMB members and the workforce. GMB has been opposing changes to mean some staff face drastic pay cuts and have become the lowest paid workers in the City.
In September 2009 Serco took over the running the 10 year contract at Derriford hospital to provide helpdesk, ward housekeeping, patient and staff catering, portering and cleaning and is valued at £140 million over 10 years.
Kevin Mason, GMB Organiser said, “Since Serco cut off formal dialogue with GMB at the beginning of April this year. I have made several attempts to re-establish dialogue, discuss our members concerns and resolve the issues. Unfortunately, to date, the company have not responded to our approaches.
Serco say they intend to replace the formal negotiating committee with a staff forum. This is a clear indication that Serco is trying to limit GMB’s input into future negotiations to frustrate the safeguarding GMB members interests on the Derriford site.
GMB is doing its best to working with Serco to get these matters resolved, however, Serco’s current position means that union members on the Derriford site are being denied representation at work, and this is not an acceptable position going forward. If the matter is not resolved it will lead to a formal dispute between GMB and Serco on the Plymouth hospital site.”
Ends
Contact: Kevin Mason, GMB Organiser on 07852 182347 or 01752 604478 or Stuary Fegan, GMB Senior Organiser on 07912 890434 or GMB Press Office: Steve Pryle on 07921 289880 or Rose Conroy on 07974 258123.
http://www.gmb.org.uk/newsroom/latest_news/plymouth_hospital_dispute.aspx#
