Thursday 10 Oct 2013 @ 13:35
WiredGov Newswire (news from other organisations)
WiredGov Newswire (news from other organisations)
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Unite: Blood testing staff in Leeds and Bradford in new strike ballot over patient safety
Hospital pathologists, who test blood samples and monitor blood transfusions at St James’s Hospital in Leeds, Leeds General Infirmary and Bradford Royal Infirmary, started balloting for industrial action on Tuesday 8 October in their continuing dispute over patient safety.
The blood sciences’ staff, members of Unite, the country’s largest union, have already taken three days of strike action on 16 July, and 1 and 2 August.
The dispute centres on the lack of staff necessary to provide a safe service for the public in the Leeds and Bradford region. The union also said the management’s plans could also mean cuts of £20,000 a year for staff.
The failure of the management at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to offer only minor concessions has resulted in a new ballot of more than 200 staff for strike action and industrial action short of a strike. The ballot closes on Thursday 17 October.
Pathology staff provide essential blood testing, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Unite regional officer Terry Cunliffe said: “The trust has refused to address the very serious issues that our members have raised about new working patterns that put patients and staff safety in jeopardy.
“Managers want to impose these new shifts on 21 October which, in their current form, are unacceptable.
“There are already insufficient staff to run these rotas, and existing staff will be forced to work excessive unsocial hours to the detriment of family life and health.
“Staff are also expected to suffer significant pay cuts, in some cases up to 40 per cent, which could cost them £20,000 a year.
“Management has offered inadequate protection periods so that our members can safeguard their current incomes. The cuts being proposed with hit the lower paid disproportionately hard.
“We call on the management to enter into a constructive dialogue with Unite to resolve these important issues.”
ENDS
For further information please contact Unite senior communications officer Shaun Noble on 07768 693940 / 020 3371 2060 and Terry Cunliffe on 07776 202007 / 0113 2364830
Unite reps for media assistance:
St James’s Hospital, Leeds: Wilson Tweed 07868 846508
Leeds General Infirmary: Mike O’Sullivan 07796 671648
Bradford Royal Infirmary: Gill Stevens 07759 675868
