Brief
Unite calls London hospital staff strike over £15.89 hourly pay
Unite says NHS band‑two workers at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Trust earn just £15.89 an hour and face bullying, prompting a strike from Oct 19‑21.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Nearly 300 cleaners, porters, store operatives and food‑service assistants at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London are set to strike from Monday 19 October to Wednesday 21 October, Unite the union says.
Unite claims the staff, classified as NHS band‑two, earn only £15.89 per hour – described as “poverty‑level” pay for central London. The union also alleges a pattern of workplace problems, including racist and bullying behaviour by facilities management, insecure bank contracts, long hours, lack of safety equipment for security staff and inadequate welfare facilities such as showers and changing rooms.
Strike actions will be staged at three locations: a 7 am‑10.30 am picket at St Thomas’ Hospital’s Westminster Bridge entrance on Monday; a similar picket at Guy’s Hospital on Tuesday; and a final picket at St Thomas’ Hospital on Wednesday, followed by a march to 10 Downing Street at 10.30 am.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the trust is “treating its staff with utter disdain” and that workers cannot survive on the current wages. Unite’s London health officer Tabusam Ahmed called the situation “heartbreaking” and urged the trust to resolve the pay dispute and improve workplace culture.
A spokesperson for the trust acknowledged ongoing negotiations but said pay levels are set by the wider NHS, not the trust, and urged Unite to call off the action to allow progress on a fair deal.
Unite warns further strikes are planned for the autumn and that staff may walk out again in the New Year if concerns remain unaddressed.
Key facts
- Nearly 300 staff at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust will strike from 19‑21 October. (standard.co.uk)
- Unite says NHS band‑two workers at the trust earn £15.89 per hour. (standard.co.uk)
- Strike locations include St Thomas’ Hospital (Westminster Bridge entrance) and Guy’s Hospital. (standard.co.uk)
- Unite general secretary Sharon Graham criticised the trust’s pay and treatment of staff. (standard.co.uk)
- The trust says pay rates are set by the wider NHS and negotiations are ongoing. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “London hospital workers strike over ‘poverty-level’ wages”
