Kevin Parslow, Waltham Forest Socialist Party
“I’m fed up hearing excuses from trust management about why they can’t pay us the lump sum pay increase,” said Len Hockey, secretary of Unite Barts branch, as he launched what he called their ‘Spring campaign’ of action at Whipps Cross Hospital in east London. Having successfully reballoted for strikes and received increased and massive majorities, workers were buoyed by the news that workers in Dudley, East Kent and the South West had won the award. But they were frustrated at why the trust will not recognise them as eligible for the pay rise when they no longer work for privatiser Serco. Members employed by Synergy in laundry services are also out.
Unite members first came out last summer and are determined to win. Workers at Royal London and Barts hospitals are also striking.
As well as pickets, a series of rallies and protests will be taking place to put pressure on management and the Department of Health to pay up.
