Strike averted at Wythenshawe and Withington Hospitals (Manchester) after UNISON members vote to accept pay dealOver 550 UNISON members voted today (12 Dec) to accept a new package of terms and conditions at Wythenshawe and Withington Hospitals. The staff, who work for the private company Sodexho provide laundry, portering and cleaning services at the South Manchester Hospital Trust. It means an increase in hourly rates backdated to 2006, additional holidays, improved overtime rates and a better sickness scheme. It also means that Sodexho are now employing their staff on the same terms and conditions as those staff directly employed by the NHS. UNISON Members had previously agreed to take strike action if agreement couldn’t be reached between UNISON, Sodexho and the Hospital Trust, at a meeting earlier this week held under the auspices of ACAS. North West Regional Officer Nigel Flanagan said “UNISON recommended this deal to members because it represented fairness and equity with their NHS colleagues working in hospitals. Our claim was based on what our members were entitled to and we were pleased at the negotiated outcome. Our members working for Sodexho are part of the NHS team and the rest of the hospital depends on them. We can now say that the NHS team in South Manchester is no longer a two tier workforce.” Regional Contacts: Nigel Flanagan 07903 055932 |