Frimley strike postponed as trust agrees not to continue with privatisation plans, says UNISON

Eleventh hour agreement to discuss alternative options

Strike action due to take place tomorrow (Monday) involving porters, security guards, cleaners and catering staff employed at Frimley Health Foundation Trust has been postponed following last-minute talks today (Sunday) between their employer and union UNISON.

The UNISON members had planned to walk out for 48 hours this week – starting tomorrow morning – over plans to transfer their jobs to a wholly owned subsidiary company.

UNISON South East regional secretary Steve Torrance said: “Following productive discussions with the Trust, UNISON has agreed to postpone the industrial action due to take place this week. This is on the understanding that senior managers at Frimley have agreed to look into alternative solutions, including whether it will be possible to keep the staff employed within the NHS.

“UNISON will take no further action for the time being and as a result the Trust has agreed not to continue with its existing plans while these other options are pursued.”

Under the original plans, around 1,000 support staff at Frimley’s three hospitals – Frimley Park, Heatherwood and Wexham Park – had been due to transfer out of the NHS into the new company. UNISON represents the majority of the workers who had planned to go on strike.

Media contacts: Kieran Pearson M: 07432 741595 E: k.pearson@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk