Strike by NHS hospital staff reaches 200th day

Healthcare workers at Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals have today (Sunday) reached their 200th day of strike action, says UNISON.

Thirty-seven phlebotomists, staff who take blood samples from patients, have been on strike at the two hospitals since March in a long-running dispute over pay.

They began their action after Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust refused to regrade staff who said they had been performing extra duties at work.

The workers have been incorrectly placed on the lowest NHS pay scale, says UNISON. The union adds that for years the staff have been doing more complex tasks, which those on the higher NHS band 3 usually perform.

UNISON says the dispute could end immediately if the trust agreed to pay staff the additional £1.09 per hour that would take them to the correct pay band. Many other trusts have resolved similar disputes long before reaching the stage of industrial action.

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “It’s a scandal that hospital managers have allowed this dispute to drag on for 200 days. They must pay up now and show the phlebotomists the respect they deserve for the skilled work they do.

“These dedicated NHS staff help diagnose illnesses and keep services running smoothly. They didn’t want to strike but were left with no choice after years of being underpaid and ignored.”

UNISON South West regional secretary Kerry Baigent said: “The trust has had months to put this right. Rather than paying staff what they’re owed, bosses have hidden behind endless meetings and hollow promises.

“Phlebotomists want to get back to the jobs they love, caring for their patients and supporting the NHS. However, they’re determined to secure the proper rate for the work they do.

“It’s time the trust stopped dragging its feet and resolved this dispute once and for all.”