South Wales health workers battle for back pay

UNISON members employed as caterers, cleaners and porters in Neath Port Talbot hospital are moving towards industrial action in a struggle to secure an entitlement to 4 years back pay. Neath Port Talbot is one of the few flagship PFI hospitals in Wales and under the terms of the deal in 2002 staff were transferred to the private employer Keir FM.

Following a decision by the Welsh Assembly Government to return to inhouse delivery of services, a backdated pay rise was awarded to bring the 250 workers up to NHS rates. A protracted delay in paying the wage arrears has angered the local branch of UNISON.

UNISON assistant branch secretary Sandra Miller said "There could well be repercussions because the staff involved are fed up with the delays. We will be calling a meeting to see how strongly people feel. They are so disgruntled, we may well embark on some kind of industrial action." http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/southwalesnews/ll-bring-Neath-Port-Talbot-Hospital-standstill/article-1365828-detail/article.html