North Devon healthcare workers take strike action for fair pay

Hundreds of the lowest-paid healthcare workers at North Devon District Hospital are set to stage a two-day strike later this month, according to UNISON.

The union claims that these workers, employed by private contractor Sodexo, have been denied a pay rise of at least £1,655, leading to dissatisfaction and a call for fair treatment comparable to their NHS counterparts.

The dispute has stemmed from Sodexo’s alleged refusal to honour a one-off payment, part of a deal agreed upon in June for staff on NHS contracts under Agenda for Change pay scales.

Scheduled for Friday, February 16 and Monday, February 19, the strike aims to showcase the workers’ demands for fair compensation and recognition.

The deal, which included a minimum one-off payment of £1,655 for the year 2022/23, has become a point of contention as Sodexo employees claim exclusion from the agreed-upon bonus.

UNISON has argued that Sodexo’s denial contradicts a longstanding agreement with the union, ensuring equality between Sodexo staff and their NHS colleagues.

Porter and UNISON representative at North Devon District Hospital, Nick Moore, expressed the frustration of Sodexo employees and said: “Sodexo should do the decent thing and pay its staff fairly. All they are asking for is to be given the same as other health staff working for the NHS.”

Mr Moore also explained the financial impact of the bonus, stating that it would make a real difference to staff and prevent many from considering leaving the company.

In response, a Sodexo spokesperson said: “We acknowledge the right of our employees to participate in industrial action. The continued care of patients at the hospital is our topmost priority. We are currently in discussion with both the Trust and the Department of Health to resolve this matter.”

If the pay rise is not granted, UNISON has warned that Sodexo’s employees will earn significantly less than their NHS counterparts doing similar work.