Hospital Staff Protest Over 'Poverty Pay'
Dozens of cleaners, porters, and caterers staged a vocal protest outside Lewisham Hospital this week, demanding an immediate improvement to their pay and conditions. The workers, who are employed by outsourcing company ISS but work for the South London NHS trust, say their current wages have left many relying on food banks and struggling to cover basic living costs like rent and bills.
Struggling on Minimum Wage
The staff, who are all members of the GMB Union, are not on the London Living Wage. Their basic hourly rate has fallen to just over the national minimum wage, as they are kept on separate contracts from directly employed NHS staff. A union representative highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that promises of a potential pay rise next year are insufficient.
Kenny Olisakwe, the GMB Union rep and a hospital cleaner, said: "When you talk to them they say they're going to talk to the NHS, they said they might put it up next year but we don't want it next year... We want it this year." He confirmed that a meeting was held after the protest on Monday, November 24, but that no concrete written offer had been put on the table by ISS.
Threat of Strike Action Looms
GMB Membership Development Officer, Helen O'Connor, condemned the pay rates, stating: "Our members are sick and tired of being on among the lowest pay rates in London." She emphasised the vital role these staff play in patient care, ensuring clean environments, feeding patients, and transporting them on time.
O'Connor issued a clear warning to the employer: "If ISS fail to put down a serious offer to improve pay and conditions... GMB will ballot our members for strike action." This underscores the growing anger among a workforce that feels its contributions are not being valued. A spokesperson for ISS UK&I told reporters that the company values its team members and is working towards a resolution.
