More than 30 security guards at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust have accepted a pay increase worth £3,000, ending their long-running dispute over wages.
As a result of the pay offer, the workers, who are members of trade union Unite, will see their annual wages increase by £3,000 over the next two and a half years. They will move from the third pay banding to the fourth.
The security guards, who protect staff and patients across the two hospitals, asked their employer for a £2,000 a year, or 96 pence per hour, pay rise back in January. They argued that they were being paid less than their counterparts at other London hospitals, where a security officer’s salary starts at £30,000 per annum.
They went on strike for a week until Thursday 8 February, another week from Monday 18 March and 10 days from 23 May to 2 June. Further strike action would have been scheduled if the dispute had not been resolved.
The workers also have a renewed mandate for industrial action due to issues around unpaid breaks and holiday allowances, stating that their employer does not calculate it based on a 37.5 hour working week.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “By standing up in their union, Guy’s and St Thomas’ security guards ensured the trust’s leadership increased their pay grades to the proper level. Once again, Unite’s complete focus on defending and improving jobs, pay and conditions is delivering for our members.”
Mark Boothroyd, accident and emergency nurse and branch secretary for Unite at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust, added: “Unite hopes the outstanding issues can be resolved through negotiations, but our members remain ready to take further strike action if needed.”
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust was contacted for comment prior to publication.
