Sara Gillman
On 29 and 30 September, I went along to support around 30 hospital porters on a picket line at Royal Berkshire Hospital Trust, members of GMB.
The porters are on strike to protect their overtime pay – work which they have to do just to get a minimal wage and afford the bills. The overtime rate has now been reduced by approximately £7 an hour. They have tried to negotiate with the trust but have been ignored.
There are also many health and safety issues, with the porter role being constantly extended – lifting very heavy oxygen tanks on their own, for instance.
There is a determined mood to fight and stay firm from all at the picket line. The workers are also very pleased with all the support they have so far received from other unions and workers in the hospital, who have stood in solidarity with their porter colleagues, refusing to cover their work.
70 porters are also new union members, after an influx of workers joining during this dispute. Branch and regional organisers confirmed that if no acceptable agreement is found they will continue to ballot for more strike action, or work to rule.
