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North Devon Health branch

North Devon Health Branch
North Devon Health Branch
representing health care staff in North Devon

Sodexo

On the picket line, Jan 2010.Victory for Sodexo workers (Jan 2010)

Following two days of strike action, 200 UNISON members working for Sodexo in North Devon NHS Trust, won their bid for better pay and improved terms, in line with the Agenda for Change set out in October 2006.

The deal covers staff working as cleaners, cooks and porters, some of the lowest paid staff working for contractors in the public sector. They will receive a lump sum of up to £3,600, as well as a salary increase from 1 Jan 2010, and other benefits including sick pay.

Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary, said:

'I am proud of our members for making a stand. It is never easy going on strike, particularly if you are low paid. But this action has shown what can be achieved when members stay solid and determined.
'These were low paid cooks, cleaners and porters, who have been waiting for three years to get the pay and terms they are entitled to under a national agreement.
This is a victory for the workers, and for common sense."

Sodexo logo.Hospital Workers Campaign for a Fair Deal (Nov 2009)

I am still sick but I have a dilemma -

I  have been ill and am not yet fully recovered! I could still be infectious!

I really care about the people who come into hospital and the people who work there!

I need to wait until I am fully fit before returning to the workplace.  I certainly do not want to compromise the health of our vulnerable patients, by passing on any infection or bugs to them or any of the staff and visitors!

However, these are Harsh Times and I do not receive Sick Pay, so my already low income will mean even less wages at the end of the month.

To think that all this extra worry could have been avoided if the Trust and Sodexo had honoured the Agreement signed in October 2006 and which would have ensured I received Sick Pay under Agenda for Change.

Agenda for Change was meant to be for all NHS workers, including those working for Private Contractors. The Department of Health recognises that I play a vital role within the NHS. Why then am I treated differently than the Trust employees who do get Sick Pay under Agenda for Change?

I  know that the Trust has received the money to fund this for us, but have so far, chosen not to. 3 years my colleagues and I have been waiting to see this implemented and stop our dilemma.

Who am I? I am an employee of Sodexo, the private contractor who, together with this Trust, has not seen fit to implement or honour an Agreement made in 2006.

I  could be the porter, the ward cleaner, laundry or linen room worker, reception staff, switchboard operators; I might even be the person who helps make a difference, however small, to you, your family or friends whilst they are admitted to, or visit hospital.