Company faces wave of industrial action at St George’s and Queen Mary’s hospitals
Strike action among ambulance workers, who provide patient transport services at St George’s Hospital and Queen Mary’s Hospital moved a step closer after a decisive vote.
Despite threats from management, 86% of GMB ambulance members at the two south London hospitals voted in an indicative strike ballot – with 91.8% voting in favour of industrial action in the New Year.
The union will now begin a full industrial action ballot which could lead to a wave of strikes unless management immediately engage with the union with a view of resolving the numerous issues faced by staff during this critical time.
The ambulance workers are employed by HATS, who have the contract for non-emergency patient transport at St George’s.
Helen O’Connor, GMB Organiser, said:
“Our members are angry that a private company - which rakes in huge profits from the NHS - is trying to impose detrimental changes to pay, terms and conditions.
“GMB has made every effort to engage with the company and St George’s but our member’s grievances are being ignored.
“This fight is about more than just pay and conditions, it’s about workers right to organise and be represented by a trade union of their choice.
"Anger against the methods and practices of HATS is running high. If the company continues in this manner they are likely to face a wave of strike action in 2021.
“We call on St George’s NHS to do the right thing, take this contract back in house and ensure our members not only get decent pay and conditions but also keep their basic legal rights.”
