Low paid NHS workers employed by an outsourcing giant at the NHS trust which runs Royal London Hospital today held a series of lunchtime protests over pay.
Serco workers at Barts Health NHS Trust are calling for a pay rise mirroring a deal offered to NHS employees.
Security guards, cleaners, porters and caterers will lose out on the proposed £2,000 a year salary bump in the first year of a three-year deal, say members of trade union Unite.
They claim the private contractor “refused to engage with workers” concerning the demands.
Unite regional officer Ruth Hydon called it a “glaring injustice” the 1,600 Serco workers in hospitals including St Barts. Royal London, Mile End and Newham would see their pay remain at £10.20 an hour, compared to the £10.83 minimum offered to NHS workers.
A spokeswoman for Barts Heath and a Serco spokesman said they recognise the contribution workers made to the Trust and that dialogue between the parties is ongoing.
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