If anything, the temperatures at the picket line were colder than yesterday, though the poor conditions have done little to diminish the determination of the strikers. As with yesterday, the superbly organised picket drew a great deal of support from passing motorists, and even succeeded in turning back two lorries which were delivering non-essential goods to the hospital. There is growing anger at those few who have remained at work, undermining a strike which if successful will reap the benefits for them as well.
Although the Trust have again said very little, their actions have stooped to new lows. Not content with encouraging NHS staff to strike-break by covering the work of those on strike (contrary to the clear instructions provided by UNISON before the strike), they have drafted in Sodexo staff from Hillingdon and St. Mary's Hospitals in London. These 'flying scabs', as one striking Sodexo worker put it, are earning time and a half and double time, and are being put up in a Travelodge on the outskirts of town, all at the Trust's expense. This is a further insult to the hardworking Sodexo staff at North Devon District Hospital, who are not entitled to even a weekend enhancement to pay.
As we have stated before, the Trust were given the money to implement Agenda for Change (which ends two-tier terms and conditions), but they used it to plug gaps in finances caused by their own mismanagement. Now they squander money which could go towards fulfilling the agreement - which Sodexo workers are striking to uphold - on scabs. In addition, it emerges that the Trust Board Chairman, a multimillionaire businessman, sneerily asked a UNISON rep "What do they need sick pay for?" when he was challenged about it. He should try asking that to the kitchens worker who had to have a major operation and was unable to work for 10 weeks. All of which was unpaid.
Despite the actions of a minority of staff (concentrated, it seems, in the facilities and learning & development departments, but also including various senior managers) at North Devon District Hospital in undermining the strike, most have been supportive, particularly after they have heard the true facts from UNISON and Sodexo staff. Workers from other unions, and UNISON workers not on strike have joined the picket line in support, and pledges of donations have come in from other UNISON branches in Devon.
There will be a meeting tomorrow, when further action will be discussed. It seems likely at the moment that there will be more strike action taken the week after next. Until then, the key tasks will be to continue to build support for the action, both in the hospital and amongst the public, and to raise funds to ensure that financial hardship does not force people back to work.
There are plans afoot to hold a rally in Barnstaple next Saturday (16th) and there will be a delegation to the South West TUC conference this weekend. As always, we ask you to send messages of support and donations (or pledges) to North Devon UNISON Health Branch. We will continue keep you upto date on all developments over the coming days and weeks.
Please send messages of support and donations/pledges (cheques payable to North Devon UNISON Health Branch) to:
Bindy Sumner, UNISON Branch Secretary, Suite 2, Munro House, North Devon District Hospital, Raleigh Park, Barnstaple, North Devon.
Bindy's email address is: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
