UNISONActive is an unofficial blog produced by UNISON activists for UNISON activists. Bringing news, briefings and events from a progressive left perspective.

Monday 29 November 2010

Massive mandate for strike action at Compass‏

Cleaners, Domestics, Porters and Catering workers employed by the global company Compass - Medirest have voted massively for strike action over non payment of Agenda for Change.

Workers at Buckinghamshire Trust based at High Wycombe hospitals have had no Agenda for Change payments for 4 years. They are all on a basic flat rate of £6.35 an hour including weekends and nights and receive no sick pay. The 148 workers have voted by over 92% to strike.

235 workers at Southampton University Hospital have voted by 98% to strike. They have had some payments but no unsocial hours payments - due since 1 April 2008 - and increments have been held back.

At the UNISON South East Regional Council on Saturday - where the results were announced - 3 of the workers received a fantastic reception. The Region agreed to mobilise financial support for strikers in both disputes.

The workers have been campaigning with the support of their respective branches, the SE Region and the 3 Companies Project to raise density from below 20% to over 90% on both contracts.

Strike action will take place before Christmas unless the Hospital Trusts and Compass sit down and sort out the overdue payments to these workers.

The above picture shows Regional Secretary Phil Wood with Hilary and Jo from Southampton and Ali from High Wycombe.