Hospital protest suspended following offer of sick pay at St Georges

A GMB Union demonstration today [Friday 18 February] outside St Georges Hospital in Tooting has been called suspended after bosses backed down.

The protest - organised by workers employed as cleaners and hostesses by Mitie - was in anger at a number of issues with their pay.

The company has now offered a sick pay scheme to members, so GMB reps have agreed to suspend their action for a month in order that the rollout of this can be explored.

Helen O’Connor, GMB Regional Organiser said:

“Our members who have worked so hard during the pandemic welcome the offer of a sick pay scheme from the company. They were also pleased to finally receive £40 vouchers that were promised to them at Christmas.

“There are still issues to resolve and GMB reps have agreed to suspend protest action to allow for further talks and progress to continue.

“Things are now moving in a positive direction and our hard-working GMB members are always reasonable and prepared to give the company additional time to resolve all remaining issues.

“GMB’s position is that anyone who works in a hospital should be given access to sick pay, no matter who they work for. We are pleased that Mitie have finally a sick pay scheme to their workers and are keen that other outsourced employers in South London hospitals follow suit.”