North Devon District Hospital strike averted after pay offer

Further strike action at North Devon District Hospital has been successfully averted following a substantially improved pay offer by contractor Sodexo, as confirmed by UNISON.

According to UNISON, more than four-fifths (82 percent) of healthcare workers have accepted the new offer in a recent consultation, effectively halting the strike action initially planned for March 6, 8, and 11.

Previously, strike action was initiated by Sodexo healthcare workers on Friday, February 16, and Monday, February 19.

UNISON, the UK’s largest union with a membership exceeding 1.3 million, operates across various sectors, including education, local government, NHS, police service, and energy, advocating for fair labour practices in both public and private domains.

The genesis of the dispute dates back to June 2023 when a deal was brokered for NHS contract staff, entailing a minimum one-off payment of £1,655 for the fiscal year 2022/23. Despite being on NHS contract rates, Sodexo initially declined to honour this lump-sum payment, prompting two days of strike action by its staff at the hospital.

UNISON has highlighted the resolute stance of healthcare workers in asserting their right to fair compensation as instrumental in prompting the employer to reconsider its position and make a more favourable offer.

Porter and UNISON rep at North Devon District Hospital Nick Moore said: “This is a fantastic result for health care workers. We’re among the lowest-paid staff so this lump sum will make a huge difference to our lives. Throughout this dispute we have only asked for one thing, and that’s to be given the same as other health staff working for the NHS.”

UNISON South West regional secretary Kerry Baigent said: “This is a huge victory for health care staff in North Devon. More than a hundred of them took the tough decision to strike. Their strength and determination has made their employer think again.”

In adherence to the negotiated terms, Sodexo's pay offer has committed to a payment equivalent to 80 per cent of the non-consolidated payment per person, with the remaining 20 per cent to be disbursed upon the availability of funding from the Department of Health and Social Care.