Hundreds of lowest paid workers to strike over fair pay dispute

Hundreds of the lowest-paid workers at North Devon District Hospital will be taking strike action over a dispute regarding fair pay. 

The workers, employed by private contractor Sodexo, have announced plans to walk out on Wednesday, March 6, Friday, March 8, and Monday, March 11, after being denied a pay rise equivalent to at least £1,655.

This announcement follows previous strike action taken by Sodexo staff on Friday, February 16, and Monday, February 19.

UNISON, the union representing the workers, revealed today that the decision to strike comes after Sodexo's refusal to honour a one-off payment deal agreed upon in June last year for staff on NHS contracts, known as Agenda for Change pay scales. 

While NHS employees received a minimum one-off payment of £1,655 for the fiscal year 2022/23, Sodexo staff were excluded from this benefit, despite their parallel responsibilities.

Nick Moore, a porter at North Devon District Hospital and UNISON representative, expressed the frustration felt by Sodexo employees, stating, "Sodexo should do the decent thing and pay its staff fairly. All they are asking for is to be given the same as other health staff working for the NHS." 

The union has reiterated its willingness to engage in dialogue to resolve the dispute

significance of the one-off payment not only in terms of fair compensation for staff but also as a measure to retain skilled workers. 

Mr Moore explained, "The lump sum would make a real difference to staff, and it would make financial sense for Sodexo. Giving everyone the extra cash would stop many currently thinking of leaving from quitting the firm for good."