Hospital says business as usual despite Carillion strike (From Swindon Advertiser)

Hospital says business as usual despite Carillion strike

9:00am Tuesday 14th February 2012 in News

Gemma Lynch

IT IS business as usual at Great Western Hospital today despite more than 100 cleaners walking out in protest over alleged bullying by bosses.

A total of 109 workers at GWH employed by contractors Carillion are taking part in the three one-day strikes.

They are all members of the GMB union, which is not recognised by Carillion, and have voted to take action over claims of bullying and an unfair holiday system which they claim does not allow them to make the long journey home to Goa for four weeks at a time.

However, Carillion bosses say they are extremely disappointed that workers have decided to strike before an investigation into the allegations had been completed.

Gemma Lynch, facilities general manager for Carillion, said a thorough and professional investigation process was ongoing and an outcome would be reached this week.

She also strongly refuted claims by GMB that Carillion had failed to communicate with them via phone calls and emails.

“I am disappointed that a strike is taking place,” she said.

“I didn’t expect it because we were going through a thorough investigation and I thought the decision would be left until that process was complete.

“The most important thing for me in all of this is my staff, they are at the forefront of my mind.”

Gemma said all 109 workers who had signed the grievance form had been invited to one-to-one meetings with a manager to discuss any bullying allegations and concerns over holiday, and a translator had been present at all times.

She said that all workers could fill out an exceptional circumstances form if they wished to take four weeks holiday at one time, and these would all be taken into consideration.

Gemma also had the current holiday policy translated into Konkani, the Goan language, to clear up any confusion for employees.

“There may have been some misunderstanding with holidays, but we have talked about this and put measures in place to ensure it is now clear,” she said.

“It has been a lengthy process but obviously, as a manager, receiving a grievance that has been signed by 109 members of staff is something that needs to be taken very seriously, and we encourage anybody who has concerns like this to come forward immediately.”

Since it was announced that strike action would be taken, Gemma said she had been delighted with the support from employees who have offered to work to ensure patients receive a continued high level of care.

“I have been absolutely delighted with the support from a lot of our staff who have offered to come in on their days off,” she said.

“They have been more than willing to help out, so much so, that we have ended up with a surplus of staff.

“It is important that we have got a robust contingency plan in place and that patient services are not impacted on.

“I personally would not allow that to happen – we shouldn’t forget why we are here and the hospital will remain clean.”

The outcome of the investigation is expected towards the end of this week.

Last night, a spokesman for GMB warned 50 employment agencies in Swindon not to break employment law by sending in supply workers during the strike, as they can face fines of up to £5,000 each time.

Oonagh Fitzgerald, the hospital’s director of workforce and education, said: “We are disappointed that the negotiations held between Carillion management and the GMB Union over the past few weeks have been unsuccessful and a number of Carillion cleaning staff have voted to strike, particularly whilst the investigation into their grievance is still ongoing.

“Our priority is to ensure minimal impact on patient services and Carillion will be bringing in extra staff during any strike action that takes place.

“We are confident that patients will notice no difference in the care they receive.”