Barnet (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Workers employed by an outsourced contractor at Barnet Hospital have secured trade union representation following a new agreement made last month.
To provide workers with representation, Medirest, a support services company, and the GMB inked a voluntary recognition agreement.
Through the agreement, the GMB is able to bargain with Medirest on behalf of its outsourced employees who work at the hospital in positions like cleaners, porters, caterers, and security about terms, conditions, and compensation.
Workers employed by an outsourced contractor at Barnet Hospital will now have trade union representation following an agreement reached last month.
Specifically, the GMB Union and Medirest, the contractor at Barnet Hospital in London, signed a recognition agreement that provides union protection for hundreds of these workers.
This development means that the outsourced workers will have formal representation rights through the union, which typically involves collective bargaining, support on workplace issues, and an organized voice in employment matters.
Explaining the benefits of recognition, Jack Phipps, GMB regional organiser, said:
“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.”
What specific union agreement was reached for Barnet Hospital outsourced workers?
The specific union agreement reached for Barnet Hospital outsourced workers is a voluntary recognition agreement between the GMB Union and Medirest, the contractor employing the outsourced workers. This agreement provides union protection for hundreds of Medirest employees at Barnet Hospital, covering pay, terms, and conditions. It applies to roles such as caterers, porters, security, and cleaning staff.
The agreement followed a campaign by the workers, supported by a petition showing the majority favoring GMB recognition. It enables collective bargaining and representation to improve pay, working conditions, and rights for outsourced employees who often face less favorable terms than directly employed NHS staff.
The GMB Union has committed to starting negotiations promptly to secure fair terms for its new members at Barnet Hospital.