Barnet Hospital workers gain union protection

GMB Union and Medirest at Barnet Hospital in London have signed a recognition agreement, providing hundreds of workers with union protection.

The voluntary agreement – which covers pay, terms, and conditions - applies to outsourced workers employed by Medirest at Barnet Hospital in roles such as caterers, porters, security, and cleaning.

It follows from a campaign led by workers, including a petition showing the majority of employees favoured establishing GMB as their recognised union.

Recognition at Barnet follows successful campaigns in other Medirest sites such as at the London Northwest Healthcare NHS Trust, where GMB is now recognised to represent outsourced workers at Northwick Park, Ealing and Central Middlesex.

Jack Phipps, GMB Regional Organiser said:

“GMB are delighted to have reached this agreement and we look forward to continuing a constructive relationship in this key sector.

“Workers at employers with union recognition have better pay, better conditions, and the structures to negotiate and stand up for their rights at work.

“Outsourced workers are the backbone of the NHS but they carry out their vital work with worse pay, leave and sickness benefits than directly employed colleagues at the exact same hospitals.

“We are committed to making sure our members have fair terms and conditions at work and we will start those negotiations straight away.”