Angry NHS workers have blasted a pay delay that could see a hospital’s “backbone” facilities staff temporarily miss out on a week’s wages.
About 200 protesters and union members formed a picket line outside University Hospital Hairmyres in East Kilbride yesterday to fight against a proposed payroll shake-up.
Private contractor ISS pays staff fortnightly but from May, the new system will result in a one-week lag – meaning staff are forced to wait three weeks to be paid.
This has led to a row between unions and ISS, with more protests by UNISON and GMB planned next week.
Scots hospital workers fear losing wages in private contractor payroll shake-up
Tom Lee, a porter at the hospital, said: “We are essentially working for a loan of our own wages, which we find totally unacceptable.”
Linen room supervisor Catherine Johnson, who has worked at Hairmyres for 28 years, said: “They are making people go without six days’ pay. It’s going to impact on the people earning the least here.
“People need to pay to get to their work. Petrol money, diesel money, bus fare; it’s just not on. There is a real fear the staff here won’t be able to get to work.”
ISS said earlier this week they would be willing to discuss any concerns workers had.
A spokesman said: “We are offering financial and emotional support and giving the opportunity for people to discuss any issues directly with us, to minimise any discomfort they may feel as a result of the change.”
