NHS Trust drops plan to outsource jobs


Domestics at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow have called off six days of planned strikes after their employer dropped plans to outsource their jobs.


The Trust had been market testing its cleaning and catering services with the aim of putting them out to tender, claiming that it would take until at least August to make a decision.


But following a resolute campaign by the 200 domestics, supported by public services union UNISON, Princess Alexandra backed down, pledging to keep the service in house.


UNISON warned outsourcing would lead to lower standards of cleanliness and create a two-tier workforce.


Domestics voted by 99% to strike against the changes and were preparing to take six days of action before the Trust backed down.


UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “This is a stunning victory that sends a strong message to other hospitals considering privatising core services. The determination and focus of our members has ensured their jobs stay part of the NHS.


“Striking is always a last resort, but while hospital bosses were dithering, workers felt they had no other choice than to take action to defend their jobs and the standard of the service they provide. I am so proud they have stood strong and they are part of our union.”


https://eastern.unison.org.uk/news/2019/06/victory-princess-alexandra-domestics-eve-strike