KOLA SHOKUNBI, a UNISON steward at Whipps Cross hospital
in east London, has been sacked by Initial Hospital Services. Initial allege
that Kola shouted at a manager, which he denies.
His UNISON branch, Waltham Forest health, is convinced
that Kola’s sacking is related to the role he played in securing a
ground-breaking pay deal for workers employed by private companies at the
hospital. The deal won pay and conditions parity with NHS workers doing the
same jobs as those working for companies like Initial.
UNISON has awarded the branch first prizes regionally
and nationally for its achievement in recruitment and organisation of a
largely migrant workforce. The branch membership is overwhelmingly backing a
campaign for Kola’s reinstatement.
The internal appeal is on 6 May, which the branch is
organising to lobby. If Kola is not reinstated then, the branch is likely to
go for a strike ballot.
Please send messages of support to: [email protected]
and protest messages to:
Richard Cockerton, HR manager, Initial Hospital
Services: [email protected] and Peter
Coles, Chief Executive, Whipps
Cross University Hospital Trust: [email protected]