Hospital Cleaning Team Strike Over Pay: Infectious Diseases Risk
Dozens of infection control workers at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals in Lambeth took a stand this morning, walking out on strike over pay. These workers, known as the ‘rapid response team,’ play a crucial role in cleaning highly infectious disease areas within the hospitals to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses. The strike action, organized by the union Unite, is set to continue for the next four days.
Challenges Faced by the Rapid Response Team
The heart of the issue lies in the fact that these essential workers have been denied the new national minimum wage, which is due to increase to £12.21 an hour in April. Currently classified as band two workers, their base pay stands at just £12.08 an hour. Additionally, they receive an extra £2.77 an hour through High Cost Area Supplements (HCAS), intended to assist NHS staff working in London with the higher cost of living.
Beyond the financial concerns, members of the rapid response team have raised other pressing issues. They have reported a lack of access to adequate sanitization areas for cleaning themselves thoroughly after their shifts, the absence of permanent contracts, and the denial of overtime pay to help address staff shortages. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham emphasized the critical role these workers play, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, where they serve as the first line of defense against infectious diseases.
Sharon Graham’s Insights
Sharon Graham, the Unite general secretary, expressed her dismay at the treatment of these workers, noting, “These are some of the most valuable workers in the NHS doing unseen work to keep patients and other staff safe. Yet they are being treated with disdain by the trust. For these workers to not be able to clean themselves properly after finishing work or to have humane conditions to rest in is a disgrace.”
Efforts to Resolve the Dispute
The situation had reached a boiling point, leading to the decision to go on strike after previous talks failed to yield meaningful progress. While previous strike dates in January were postponed to allow negotiations, the lack of substantial advancements prompted Unite to call for renewed strike action. Tabusam Ahmed, regional officer for Unite, highlighted the frustration of the workers, stating, “Our members are rightly furious about the situation they’ve found themselves in. This is absolutely unacceptable.”
In response to the strike, a spokeswoman for Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust assured the public that all cleaning shifts would be covered to ensure that services remain unaffected. She emphasized the trust’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the rapid response team and expressed regret that the industrial action was proceeding despite efforts to resolve the dispute together.
Looking Ahead
As the strike action unfolds, the spotlight remains on the critical role played by these unsung heroes in safeguarding public health. The ongoing dispute highlights the complex challenges faced by essential workers in the healthcare sector and underscores the need for fair treatment and recognition of their invaluable contributions.
In the corridors of Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals, the echoes of the strike ring loud, a reminder of the dedication and resilience of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. As the community rallies around the rapid response team, the hope for a swift and amicable resolution lingers in the air, a testament to the power of collective action in advocating for justice and fairness.
