Over 130 workers at Royal Liverpool Hospital have initiated a two-week strike, demanding a “Covid bonus” to acknowledge the significant stress and risks they faced during the pandemic.
The strike, involving porters, cleaners, and caterers, all members of the GMB union, comes after 18 days of previous industrial action.
In November 2023, the NHS agreed to offer a bonus of at least £1,655 to its staff as compensation for the challenges of the pandemic in 2020-21.
However, these workers, employed by private contractor ISS during the pandemic, have yet to receive this bonus, despite their critical role in hospital operations. The service was brought back in-house in April 2023.
Kerry Nash, senior organiser for the GMB, expressed frustration, saying: ” These workers put their lives on the line during the pandemic — just like other NHS staff.
“It’s a disgrace they have not been paid the Covid bonus they so richly deserve just because the trust had outsourced the service.”
In response, the NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group stated: ” We value and recognise the contributions our colleagues have made.
“We are continuing to work with trade unions and remain committed to resolving this dispute.”
