Hospital Staff in Wigan Vote for Industrial Action

89% of those who responded to Unison's formal ballot were in favour of industrial action. This could result in strike action next month. This issue is over plans to move 900 NHS jobs to a new company, staff included: porters, switchboard operators, cleaners and caters.

Senior bosses at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust attempted to assure those affected that their conditions and rights would not be changed.

Sean Gibson Unison's North West regional organiser, said:

"Staff feel very strongly about the value of being employed by the NHS. Catering staff, cleaners and porters all want to stay part of the NHS team. Trust management needs to act now. Their outsourcing proposal is simply unacceptable to the vast majority of our members. Unless they drop the plan it is likely that a strike will take place later this month."

Wigan MP Lisa Nandy supports the employees and has called on the Trust to stop its plans for what she believes could potentially lead to a two-tier NHS workforce.

A spokesman for the Trust said:

"All staff set to TUPE transfer have been assured that their current terms and conditions will be protected for the 25-year life of the contract, mirroring NHS Agenda for Change."

The Trust is in a 'time-out' period and are committed to listening to staff and encourage any possible alternative ideas.

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