North Devon healthcare workers in support of strike over pay dispute

Health workers at North Devon District Hospital are poised to take strike action following a contentious pay dispute that has left staff feeling undervalued.

Staff employed by Sodexo say that they have been denied a pay rise of at least £1600 that other NHS workers have received. 

Because of this, healthcare workers have claimed that if no action is taken by Sodexo, they plan to take strike action in February. 

The Gazette contacted Sodexo for a response with a spokesperson saying: “We acknowledge the right of our employees to participate in industrial action. The continued care of patients at the hospital is our top most priority. We are currently in discussion with both the Trust and the Department of Health to resolve this matter.” 

Sodexo has become a long term partner within the healthcare industry. They work alongside the NHS as well as private partners to help deliver people-centred health and care services that they claim create positive patient experiences.

In a recent ballot, a resounding 96% of employees employed by Sodexo, the company providing services at the hospital, backed the idea of strikes if they are not granted a fair pay rise. 

The dispute centres on Sodexo's refusal to honour a one-off payment element of a deal reached in June for workers on NHS contracts, who were promised a 5% wage increase for 2023 and a one-off payment of at least £1,600 for the lowest paid for 2022/23.

Despite the wider NHS reaching an agreement, Sodexo's reluctance to fulfil the bonus element prompted UNISON to pursue strike action on behalf of the affected workers. 

The union insists on fair treatment, demanding that Sodexo ensures parity in compensation with their NHS-employed counterparts. Staff employed by Sodexo argue that they deserve the same consideration and recognition for their vital contributions to healthcare.

UNISON South West regional organiser, Oliver Foster-Burnell, criticised Sodexo's stance, highlighting the company's substantial profits. He called on Sodexo to reconsider, emphasising that the hardworking and low-paid members should not have to resort to strike action when the company has the means to fulfil their entitlements. 

The frustration among hospital staff is palpable, as they feel devalued and question why they are excluded from the agreed-upon payment, unlike their NHS counterparts.

Nick Moore, a Porter and UNISON representative at North Devon District Hospital, expressed the staff's frustration and stressed that striking is a last resort. He highlighted the staff's straightforward request to be paid on par with NHS health workers, especially during times of economic strain.

The looming strike action is expected to commence in February unless any changes are addressed by Sodexo.