The Bristol Trades Council joined Unison’s “Magnificent 37” phlebotomists at Gloucester Shire Hall on Friday. Along with delegations from Gloucestershire FBU, Gloucestershire NEU, USDAW A069, South West TUC, the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) and other trades councils, we stood in solidarity against low pay.
On strike since 17 March, phlebotomists at Gloucestershire Hospitals are fighting for fair pay after years of doing Band 3 work for Band 2 wages.
UNISON head of health Helga Pile said: “Gloucestershire is looking like a rogue employer in its determination to go to any length to avoid paying staff fairly”
“The phlebotomists haven’t taken 100 days of strike action on a whim. They don’t want special treatment. They just want to be paid correctly for the valuable jobs they do. Their patients know how important they are – it’s time the trust recognised this too.
“Dozens of trusts have already settled disputes like this. There’s no reason why NHS workers in Gloucestershire should settle for any less than the thousands of employees who’ve already seen their pay improved thanks to their efforts and the union’s campaign.”
Bristol Trades Union Council 