HUNDREDS of workers at Barnsley Hospital are ready to take strike action after bosses ‘threatened’ almost half the workforce with a fire and re-hire process over a dispute over paid breaks.
More than 600 workers took part in the ballot which sought to find out views on industrial action, and 97 per cent voted in favour, according to the union, GMB.
The union says the hospital want to impose new contracts upon thousands of staff, including nurses, technicians and clerical workers, removing their right to a paid 20-minute shift break.
They have now lodged a formal dispute with the trust.
They say they are happy to meet with hospital representatives to discuss the next steps - which could include a full strike ballot - should the trust not ‘back down’.
GMB organiser Rachel Dix said: “Hundreds of GMB members at Barnsley Hospital voted overwhelmingly for strike action if the trust does not stop this attack on removing paid breaks, increasing unpaid time at work.
“On the back of this incredible result - which has seen a dramatic spike in membership growth - GMB has lodged a collective dispute with the employer.
“We await their response but our members are clear: they’re prepared to take this all the way unless the hostile act of fire and re-hire is halted and their breaks remain untouched.”
A Barnsley Hospital spokesperson added: “The proposals would bring the trust into line with almost all other NHS hospital trusts and with the national NHS terms and conditions that were agreed some years ago by trade unions and the NHS.
“It would provide more staff on duty for patients and reduce reliance on temporary staff.
“Evidence shows this would improve patient care and safety, support staff wellbeing, reduce healthcare costs and improve staff retention.
“The trust has undertaken eight months of consultation with affected staff and trade unions and these discussions continue.
“The GMB has not undertaken a formal ballot for industrial action but have submitted an internal collective grievance which will be heard in accordance with trust policies.
“We continue to engage with staff, trade unions and ACAS in order to try to address outstanding concerns - of the approximately 1,500 colleagues impacted by the proposed changes, over 1,000 have signed to accept the revised terms and conditions.
“Staff wellbeing is a priority for the trust.
“Ensuring colleagues have adequate rest breaks is essential to mitigate fatigue and maintain health.
“We remain committed to appropriate breaks in line with best practice and national NHS terms and conditions.
“This process was driven by our commitment to fairness and consistency, addressing long-standing informal arrangements and variations in how breaks were taken across departments, which raised concerns about equity among other staff groups with unpaid breaks.”
