Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/606/8658
From The Socialist newspaper, 6 January 2010
Support striking Devon health workers
Just before Christmas, low paid workers working for the private contractors Sodexo at North Devon District Hospital voted 97%-3% to take strike action. There is an agreement which means that by 2006 they should have received the same pay and terms and conditions as NHS-employed staff doing equivalent work. But they are still grossly underpaid and do not receive sick pay.
Northern Devon Healthcare Trust was given the money by the Department of Health (DoH) to finance the agreement. It has been asked to abide by the agreement many times, by Unison and the DoH, but it has failed to do so.
Mark Harper, branch chair, Unison North Devon Health branch said: "Members have been met with misinformation and threats from management but are undeterred. It is hoped that a by-product of this dispute will be to show management that the workers will no longer tolerate the bullying they receive on a regular basis."
The Sodexo workers are striking on 5-6 January. They are asking for messages of support from individuals, union branches and other organisations. They are also asking for donations to the strike fund.
All messages of support and solidarity, and donations (cheques made payable to North Devon Unison Health branch) should be sent to: Bindy Sumner, Unison branch secretary, Suite 2, Munro House, North Devon District Hospital, Raleigh Park, Barnstaple, North Devon.
Email: unisonhealthndevon@hotmail.co.uk
Jim Lowe
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In The Socialist 6 January 2010:
Socialist Party campaigns
No more fare rises, no more cutbacks!
International socialist news and analysis
Support needed for socialists in Sri Lanka
Socialist Students
Mandelson savages university funding
Socialist Party workplace analysis
British Airways cabin crew dispute
Socialist Party news and analysis
Chilcot inquiry: Blair - a willing warmonger
Devon - waste incinerator plan shelved
Academies: 'Hands off Weston Favell' wins!
Socialist Party Marxist analysis
2010 - Savage social cuts, workers' resistance and growth of socialist ideas
Socialist Party review
Socialist Party workplace news
South Wales signal workers on strike
London Underground: Battle lines are drawn
Metaldyne workers fight bosses' sweeping attacks
Support striking Devon health workers
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