Details of hospital pay deal announced

AFTER weeks of negotiations and a two day strike 200 Sodexo Unison members working for Sodexo in North Devon NHS Trust, have won their bid for better pay and improved terms, in line with a national agreement set out in October 2006.  The deal will cover

AFTER weeks of negotiations and a two day strike 200 Sodexo Unison members working for Sodexo in North Devon NHS Trust, have won their bid for better pay and improved terms, in line with a national agreement set out in October 2006.

The deal will cover staff working as cleaners, cooks and porters, some of the lowest paid staff working for contractors in the public sector, according to Unison.

They will receive a lump sum of up to �3,600, as well as a salary increase from January 1 this year and other benefits including sick pay.

Unison General Secretary Dave Prentis will be joining the Sodexo workers at a rally (tomorrow) Saturday from 12.30-1.30pm at the Square in Barnstaple.

"I am proud our members for making a stand. It is never easy going on strike, particularly if you are low paid," he said.

"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.