Workers walk out over imposed shift changes, loss of pay, bullying and outsourcing

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust workers will strike in February, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today.

The dispute involves both pathology and clinical engineering staff at the trust.

Pathology staff will strike over plans to introduce a new shift system without meaningful consultation, which is expected to result in a loss of earnings for staff.

Pay protection has been reduced from five years to two, further undermining financial security when working arrangements change. Staff have also suffered financial losses due to failures to reimburse mileage expenses and late-night taxi travel in line with local agreements.

Pathology staff are also striking over the failure of the trust to tackle claims of bullying, harassment, and discrimination within the department, even after they were substantiated during an employment tribunal. As a result, these behaviours have been allowed to continue.

In clinical engineering, staff strongly oppose the outsourcing of their department and the proposed transfer of roles to Siemens Healthineers. This would erode terms and conditions and would not benefit staff or patients.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Industrial relations at the trust have collapsed. Unite will not tolerate our members being bullied or having their jobs, pay and conditions being attacked. These workers have their union’s total support in taking strike action.”

The workers will take strike action on 4, 5 and 6 February. Industrial action will intensify if the dispute is not resolved.

Pathology staff work in laboratories to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases by analysing blood, tissue, and cell samples. Clinical engineering staff maintain and manage medical technology within the hospitals.

Unite regional officer Sujata Virdee said: “Our members are totally dedicated to their jobs but have been forced into taking strike action because of the appalling way they are being treated by the trust. Any disruption that will be caused is entirely the fault of the trust’s leadership. The only way this dispute will be resolved is when the trust rows back on its attacks and puts forward a solution that our members can accept.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.