Cleaners, porters and domestic workers fighting a campaign at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital hospital will today be recognised by the South West TUC.
Around 150 GMB members employed by Carillion at the town’s Great Western Hospital have taken 21 days strike action over what they claim are persistent failures of management to deal with evidence of wrong-doing, including the allegation that supervisors demanded gifts in exchange for holiday approval and overtime.
Now their efforts have been rewarded by trade unionists in the South West, with reps picking up the South West TUC ‘s Campaign and Organising Award at a special ceremony at Exeter City Football Club.
The campaign has been co-ordinated by Andy Newman, the branch secretary for Wiltshire and Swindon GMB, who said: “This award is nice, but the real issue is that we’ve advanced the interests of our members at the hospital. It’s good to have the recognition of other trade unionists, but it’s more important that we’ve made progress and we’ve built organisation there. That’s a much more lasting tribute.”
As well as recognising the collective efforts of the GMB members, the South West TUC will also reward the individual work of two reps: Jose Estocio, who won the Equalities Award, and Paulo Fernandes, who won the Most Promising New Rep Award.
Jose Estocio said: “I feel great, really happy. The work we have put it is worth it because it feels we’ve been recognised and appreciated, which is really nice to hear.”
Paolo Fernandes added: “I’m very happy that I have been chosen but have been surprised because I had not intended to win – it is not why I became a rep.”
The campaign started in 2011 when the GMB suggested members signed a collective grievance against bullying at work by a manager. Expecting a dozen or so to add their names, the union as astonished to receive a petition signed by more than 130 people.
One the signatories was Paulo, who said: “Every day we are afraid to go to work because whatever we do we will be threatened with a disciplinary. This is a constant threat to us – we cannot do anything right in the eyes of this manager – and before we leave home we have to prepare ourselves for this behaviour. It is very hurtful for us to get it all the time.”
The manager has since left the company, but the campaign is on-going, with Carillion refusing to accept there was a cover-up, and more than 50 union members filing claims at an employment tribunal.
Andy Newman said: “There are still outstanding issues at the GWH concerning unfairness in holiday policy, and inappropriate behaviour from supervisors, which GMB is confident could be resolved by negotiation.
“GMB represents 75% of their cleaning staff but Carillion will not talk to the union. The campaign will continue until Carillion agrees to recognise the union their staff have chosen, and resolve the outstanding issues over holidays and bullying.
“Carillion must come to terms with what their managers have done to workers in Swindon and to the workers they blacklisted. There is not much use just making apologies. They have to accept what they did was wrong and then take steps to put it right. Until this happens there will be no end to this dispute.”
Paulo Fernandes was nominated for his award after systematically recruiting members ward by ward, and by organising meetings and ballots, keeping members informed.
Andy Newman said: “Paulo has been the key activist in organising the strikes. He has done an extraordinary job of keeping in touch with every member individually as well as starting to represent members in disciplinaries and grievances.”
Jose Estrocio was nominated for his award after leading the campaign against racist bullying at the hospital, drafting the collective grievance that was signed by more than 130 staff and offering advice and support to victims of bullying.
Andy Newman said: “Jose has done a brilliant job in inspiring and recruiting 154 people to the union, and in bringing to light the racism and discrimination he and his colleagues have suffered at work.”
South West TUC Regional Education Officer Marie Hughes said: “This has been a terrific member-led campaign by the GMB that has achieved terrific results.
“We’re delighted to reward the determination and tenacity of members and the leadership quality of their reps. These awards are thoroughly deserved.”
This is the second SW TUC awards event. Wiltshire and Swindon GMB also won “best campaign” at the first awards in 2011.
The post Andy Newman & Swindon GMB activists win SW TUC award appeared on Socialist Unity.