NHS estate workers step up industrial action

The union has said that the dispute centres on the health authority’s failure to locally implement recognised national conditions for trades’ persons which is contributing to an ongoing underpayment of wages. The action involves around 60 estates workers including electricians, joiners, and plumbers.

The increased action includes additional strike action beginning at 4pm on Wednesday, November 1, in addition to the continuing industrial action. This will result in Unite members taking industrial action from late Wednesday afternoons until 8am the following Monday.

Sharon Graham, general secretary, said: “Unite’s estates workers across NHS Tayside have had enough of the abject failure of management to put an end to this dispute. The escalation of action shows that our members are in this for the long haul.

“Health Board management should be under no illusion that our members are determined to fight for what they deserve - fair and equal treatment and Unite backs them all the way.”

Dougie Maguire regional co-ordinating officer, added: “It appears that NHS Tayside are shying away from supporting our bid for an independent review to resolve this . They are aware that this dispute is causing operational problems but they have chosen to bury their heads in the sand.”