Lewisham and Greenwich HCAs celebrate historic win

Earlier this month (4 & 5 March), hundreds of Healthcare Assistants from University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital gathered to celebrate a historic victory. After taking part in two rounds of industrial action (totaling five days) they secured fair rebanding and a back pay agreement that compensated them for years of working above their pay band.

Throughout the celebrations, the healthcare assistants were joined by UNISON General Secretary Christina McAnea and Head of Health Helga Pile to commemorate their hard-fought achievement. They were also joined by UNISON Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Healthcare Branch Secretary Shona Watson and Branch Chair Conroy Lawrence, who have supported the campaign every step of the way.

At Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, Christina addressed the gathered staff, saying: “It’s so good to be here, celebrating your success. I want to pay tribute to your courage and determination ti keep going until this campaign was won. What you do matters so much in this hospital and working together you have all made a significant difference.”

She continued: “You stood up and made the Trust listen. You said you wanted to be paid properly for the jobs you do. You were the first healthcare assistants in London to do this. Now UNISON members at other trusts are looking at your success and wondering if they might do the same.”

“You’re an inspiration,” Christina said. “And a great example of why our union is so good.”

To mark their successful campaign for fair pay and better patient care, Christina and Helga presented the healthcare assistants with certificates and special commemorative coins.