Rapid Response workers to strike over 'unpleasant' working conditions at Guys and St Thomas' Hospitals
The team is responsible for deep cleaning the most highly infectious areas of the hospital
Dozens of infection control workers who form the 'rapid response team' at Guys and St Thomas' Hospitals in London are due to strike next week, over working conditions.
The team performs “ultra cleans” in the most highly infectious areas of the hospitals and is called upon to prevent the further spread of diseases.
The union, United, says workers want recognition for their frontline work and improved working conditions at both hospitals.
Workers have reported several concerning issues including:
- No adequate rest area at Guys Hospital
- Rest facilities at St Thomas' that have no ventilation
- Senior "soft service" employees with far better facilities
- Lack of engagement with Unite over the usage of harmful chemicals
- Continued use of bank staff instead of hiring additional staff on permanent contracts
Workers will strike for five days from Monday 24 February.
A spokesperson for Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust said: "We want all our staff to feel supported at work which is why we have been working hard for many weeks to bring an end to this dispute with our rapid response cleaners. We have listened to their concerns and made several changes to address them. It is regrettable that Unite is determined to press ahead with this industrial action despite the progress we have made together.
“We have robust contingency plans in place to mitigate the action and ensure services remain unaffected. We remain committed to working with our staff to resolve this dispute as soon as possible." The hospital added that all cleaning shifts will be covered for the duration of the industrial action.
Unite regional officer Tabusam Ahmed said: "Previous strikes at the hospital by the Rapid Response Team were called off to allow talks to take place. The lack of any meaningful progress has now led to Unite calling new strike dates.
“Our members are rightly furious about the situation they've found themselves in. Working all times of day and night in dangerous and unpleasant environments to keep hospitals clean and safe of the most infectious and contagious diseases. And yet they are told they aren't valued and that they cannot have access to rest facilities of a decent standard. This is absolutely unacceptable."