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Trade unionists from across Britain rallied in Doncaster in South Yorkshire on Saturday in support of striking healthcare workers fending off a brutal attack from privateer Care UK.
Members of rail union RMT, general union Unite, and bakers’ union BFAWU among others stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the 150 workers, who provide vital support for people with learning difficulties and mental health problems.
Their union Unison warned that if Care UK’s plan to slash pay succeeds it could be copied by privatised health services nationwide.
“If thieving Care UK get their way, some of the most valuable workers in our community are facing wage cuts of between £3,000 and £5,000,” Unite Community regional organiser Joe Rollin said.
“Workers are waging a brave fight to defend this service, and have waged 16 days of strike action to defend themselves and the patients they care for.
“Care UK is a small part of a huge pan-European company called Bridgepoint Capital, which owns well-known brands like Fat Face, Hobbycraft, Pret A Manger and Leeds Bradford Airport.”
The strikers were employed by the NHS and contracted to do the work for Doncaster Council, with their vital care enabling people to maintain independent lives in council-owned houses.
But Doncaster had to put the work out to tender as Con-Dems continue to privatise the health service.
Profit-hungry Care UK won the contract and the workers’ jobs were transferred to the company.
Care UK announced vicious wage cuts which will leave staff impoverished.
The workers voted overwhelmingly to resist and have staged 16 days of strike action, picketing the company’s regional office in Doncaster.
They are currently staging a four-day strike and voted unanimously on Saturday for a two-week strike.
Unison regional organiser Jim Bell said: “This will be a massive escalation of the action.”
Care UK is so determined to defeat the strikers that it is bringing in scab labour from elsewhere and putting them up in hotels.
Unison’s local branch has made a financial appeal for the strikers.
Donations should go to Doncaster, District And Bassetlaw Health Branch 20511 and be sent to the Unison office, Jenkinson House, White Rose Way, Doncaster DN4 5GJ.
