Outsourced Chase Farm Hospital staff begin strike action

Dozens of staff at Chase Farm Hospital, which is part of the North London NHS Foundation Trust, have started strike action.

The staff, who are represented by GMB Union, are employed by outsourcing giant ISS in a variety of roles including catering, cleaning, and security.

Strike action was announced after months of negotiation resulted in a failure to agree on members’ claims on working practices and culture, equalisation of terms with NHS staff, and union recognition.

After ISS’s latest offer was presented to members, 95% voted to reject and maintain industrial action.

Strike action is planned for the 15th – 17th and 22nd – 24th July, with further dates expected to be announced.

Jack Phipps, GMB Regional Organiser said:

"ISS have shown no respect for their workers and have repeatedly failed to make a reasonable offer to meet their concerns, leaving our members with no choice but to take strike action.

“Our members first raised a collective grievance over a year ago and ISS has had more than enough time to engage with our members’ concerns.

 "Our members’ message to ISS is clear: show staff the respect they deserve by getting back round the table and meaningfully addressing the serious issues members have raised.”