UNISON Wins £76 a week pay rise for Hospital Cleaners

A good news story. The UNISON branch at St Georges Hospital, Tooting, South London has won a £76 per week pay rise for 350 private contract hospital cleaners employed by ISS. This is a massive 36% rise for some of the lowest paid hospital staff in London. They now have a minimum wage of £8.21 per hour, up from £6.03.

Local Labour Party MP Sadiq Khan was thanked for his help in the campaign. A good example of "joined up" working I think.

From UNISON press release

Michael Walker UNISON Regional Officer said; “This is a great victory for some of London's most important but often neglected group of hospital workers "This interim agreement represents the culminations of months of campaigning and lobbying by UNISON, we are pleased that the UNISON campaign has not only secured the support of medical and nursing staff, but also of local Members of Parliament, most notably Sadiq Khan MP for Tooting".

Geoff Thorne UNISON Branch Secretary said:"UNISON has worked hard to bring about a minimum wage of £8:21 for all staff employed at St Georges Hospital, whether NHS or private contractors. "This interim agreement represents a sound base to build for pay justice for all health workers""Many of our members were presently finding great difficulty in living on just £6:00 an hour this increase is good for them and their families

Shirley Thompson UNISON ISS convenor at St Georges said:“The cleaning staff at St George's hospital come from all corners of the globe and play a vital role in keeping hospital infection rates down. This interim agreement is an important step in reflecting that vital role and securing pay justice for hospital cleaning staff."