Information from UNISON

Further to the information on the Hillingdon hospital dispute between UNISON and Pall Mall, a subsidiary of the Davis Service Group, which has been supplied by Jon Rogers, Deputy Regional Convenor UNISON London region, I would add the following:

UNISON nationally is conducting a corporate campaign aimed at preventing Pall Mall securing contracts in public services. UNISON has monitored contract awards and in the NHS Pall Mall has only secured one contract since the hillingdon dispute began. This is in Haringey Health Trust where they have had to guarantee NHS wages and conditions will be maintained. We are grateful for the support of all trade unionists in our campaign and can supply briefing materials model letters etc on the activities of Pall Mall and associated companies the Elliot Group and Sunlight laundries.

Update 11/2/97 - From Unison

The UNISON Industrial Action Committee met on the 16th January to consider the future of the Hillingdon Hospital dispute in the light of a offer of cash compensation totalling £250,000 pounds from Pall Mall, the company involved in the dispute. In the light of lack of any realistic prospect of securing reinstatment the Committee reluctantly decided to recommend this offer to the strikers and end UNISON's campaign against Pall Mall. UNISON is continuing to pursue Industrial Tribunal cases on behalf of the strikers. The UNISON NEC meets to review this decsion on the 14th February. UNISON would like to express its thanks to all trade unionists who offered solidarity during this dispute.

For further information contact UNISON on 0171 388 2366 or email us at unison-hlthgrp@unison.org.uk or email sjweeks@netcomuk.co.uk

Update 22/2/97 - From Unison

The UNISON NEC met on the 14th Feburary. Following a lengthy debate, with one vote against, it strongly supported the decision of the Industrial Action Committee to end the dispute between UNISON and Pall Mall over the sacking of 57 cleaning staff at Hillingon Hospital.

The NEC also confirmed that the Industrial Action Committee had full authority within UNISON rules to authorise and end UNISON disputes. The NEC accepted that after 16 month of strike action and campaigning the dispute was unlikely to secure a better resolution than the £250,000 cash sum offered by the company.

UNISON had continued to represent members at the Industrial Tribunal and on the same day the Tribunal announced, as UNISON had feared, that it dismissed the applications. UNISON believes that although reinstatement was not secured the brave and determined stand of the Hillingdon strikers sent a strong deterrent to other contractors in the NHS and that the local branch and UNISON nationally can be proud of the campaign that was undertaken. In the light of the Tribunal decision, which UNISON is reviewing, the negotiated settlement was clearly justified as the only way of resolving the dispute. This view has been accepted by almost half the strikers and endorsed by the London Regional Health Committee, the London Regional Committee and the Womens Conference as well as the NEC. UNISON reiterates its thanks to those trade unionists who supported the dispute.

Information from Steven Weeks UNISON Health Group Research Officer.

For further information contact UNISON on 0171 388 2366 or email us at unison-hlthgrp@unison.org.uk or sjweeks@netcomuk.co.uk

UNISON Health Group,
1 Mabledon Place
London WC1H 9AJ
tel 0171 388 2366 x357

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