Hospital porters to strike over ‘diabolical’ treatment by trust

Hospital porters at an acute trust are set to strike over what a union has called “diabolical” treatment.

Around 60 porters at University Hospital Southampton belonging to the Unite union will stage a series of 24-hour walkouts starting on 28 November and then every Monday and Friday throughout December and January.

Unite has said its members have been subjected to “endemic bullying” and “diabolical” working conditions, such as having to inform managers before and after using the toilet, being denied breaks to drink water, and having seating removed.

The union has also alleged that its members have been disciplined for raising concerns about patient safety, understaffing, and the quality of equipment.

Unite regional officer Kate Attwooll said: “The strike action will inevitably cause serious disruption across the hospital, but this is entirely the fault of management; they are well aware of the problems but have failed to take action to prioritise staff and patient safety and dignity.

“Strike action could still be avoided but that would require management introducing the changes needed to end the endemic bullying of porters at UHS.”

Read full story

Source: HSJ, 15 November 2024