Lincolnshire health workers' pay battle

Ann Moses, from Grimsby UNISON, representing some of the 400 NHS staff involved in a battle with another NHS contractor, Carillion, spoke to the socialist.

"Carillion have a contract worth Ł50 million with the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole hospitals trust. This includes hospitals in Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole. At the moment there are nine different sets of terms and conditions for the domestic, portering and catering staff at the hospitals.

"We put in a claim for a starting rate of Ł5.02 an hour for everyone, with NHS terms and conditions. Carrillion have come back with two offers, neither worth much and they were devisive.

"There was a 90% majority for strike action in the original ballot. And the two offers have been rejected resoundingly by 5:1.

"We've just finished our last five days of strike action, which was solid. The shop stewards committee is meeting this week to decide on the next course of action. We're not asking for much so the mood is to continue with our action. Carrillion haven't offered us anything."

Donations and messages of support to Scunthorpe UNISON Health Branch, Scunthorpe General Hospital, Cliff Gardens, Scunthorpe, DN15 7BH

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