Gloucestershire Hospital (UNISON) Strike Calendar
Strike Type: NHS
Latest Gloucestershire Hospital Industrial Action Updates (2)
Specialist hospital blood workers in Gloucestershire have voted to accept an offer, ending their prolonged strike action.
Phlebotomists at Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General hospitals had been on strike for 349 days regarding issues of pay and job evaluations.
The agreement reached following discussions with the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust involves their pay and roles being reviewed by an independent job evaluation panel.
The workers contended that their work, which involves taking and handling blood samples, had been undervalued despite the necessary skills and responsibilities.
The trust has also agreed to acknowledge the specialized nature of the phlebotomist role following the agreement.
Furthermore, there will be consultation with staff concerning the future direction of the service.
This resolution signifies the conclusion of the dispute, and the staff will be returning to work on Monday.
Phlebotomists in Gloucestershire are currently engaged in the longest-ever walkout by NHS employees, marking their 236th day of industrial action.
The 36 specialist staff have been striking since March, demanding fair pay for the skills and expertise required for their job of taking and handling blood samples.
Placing the workers on the correct pay band is estimated to cost the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust around £60,000 annually.
The union asserts that the required pay increase, amounting to an additional £1.09 per hour, would resolve the dispute immediately.
Despite having lost 236 days' pay, the workers remain committed to achieving recognition for their contributions.
The trust has consistently refused to grant the requested increase, resulting in ongoing disruption to services and patients.
Senior union leaders and supporters are scheduled to join the striking staff for a rally in Gloucester to highlight the action.
The union claims that similar conflicts within the NHS have been settled without resorting to industrial action.
Gloucestershire Hospital Strike Calendar
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