200 workers in Southampton and 148 workers in Bucks started 2 days of strike action yesterday over the non payment of Agenda for Change terms. They are employed by the global giant Compass Medirest and yet do not earn the same as equivalent workers directly employed by the NHS.
http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/8740250.UPDATED__Hospital_workers_on_strike/
Workers walked out at both hospitals at 10.00 am yesterday morning to be greeted by other workers who were already picketing. Deliveries were disrupted, cleaning, catering and other duties totally disrupted. Scab labour was brought in to the hospitals at a ridiculous cost of accommodation (Jury's Inn Southampton for example) and some agency staff from Blue Arrow.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-11998158
Security guards were brought in to police picket lines and photographs taken of workers on strike.
But the mood of the workers is very strong and they know that 2 days will not end the dispute. A workers 'war chest' is being massed with over £30,000 already obtained from Region and Branches as the union members prepare for a big dispute. Rallies in High Wycombe and Southampton tomorrow.
Further reports and details to follow
