Workers Revolutionary Party - Ealing week-long strike action

The News Line: News Friday, 14 March 2014 Ealing week-long strike action

Ealing Hospital strikers employed by contractor Medirest in determined mood during their last 48-hour pay strike

GMB members employed by contractor Compass Medirest at Ealing hospital began a seven-day strike at 7.00am today until 7.00am next Friday, 21 March, for a living wage, sick pay and a decent holiday.
This follows four days of strike action on 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th February.

The 150 ancillary workers are on £6.31 an hour, 44 per cent below the lowest comparable NHS rate in London of £9.09 per hour.

Workers want parity with their NHS colleagues,

The GMB said: ‘There is a two-tier workforce as Medirest do not pay Agenda for Change rates or conditions. Comparable NHS rates range from £7.33 to £8.34 per hour plus London Weighting of £1.76 per hour.

‘GMB members are seeking an increase in pay as a step towards a London living wage of £8.80 per hour. They are also seeking an additional two days of annual leave and sick pay for one week full pay and three week’s half pay. There is now no sick pay.’