Victory for Grosvenor workers follows numerous strikes
 
Dozens of staff that keep a London mental health facility in a fit and proper state have early Christmas cheer, after winning a new deal from their employer.
Workers employed by Grosvenor Facilities Management at the Newham Centre for Mental health have won up to a 15 per cent pay rise, five days additional annual leave and will now be entitled to two months full sick pay and an additional two months half sick pay. Members of Unite now also have an official recognition agreement for the union for future negotiations.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Christmas has come early for Grosvenor's workers who have won a well-deserved victory after being prepared to take strike action. There is power in a union and Unite will always back our health members as they fight for a fair day's pay and decent working conditions."
This new deal puts them on a near equal footing with the colleagues they work alongside who are directly employed by the NHS rather than a private sector outsourcing company. Unite has long campaigned to end such outsourcing arrangements within NHS facilities, that create a two-tier workforces.
Unite regional officer Gary Boodhna added: "These facilities workers keep this vital NHS mental health facility in a fit state for its patients yet were being treated with utter disdain by their private sector employer. Following a tough fight and after standing firm on the picket line I'm delighted our members have won this battle and gained not just union recognition but a significant improvement in their pay and conditions."
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