Pathology and clinical engineering staff are in dispute with the the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust (BHRUT) over issues including pay, working conditions and proposed changes to their roles, according to Unite the union. 

Pathology staff are striking over plans to introduce a new shift system that the union says will reduce earnings.

They also claim the trust has failed to address bullying, harassment and discrimination within the department, despite an employment tribunal having substantiated these complaints.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite will not stand by while these workers suffer bullying and have their jobs, pay and working conditions attacked. They have their union’s complete support.

“Strikes will not end until these issues are resolved by the trust.”

Clinical engineering workers are taking action over plans to outsource their department and transfer roles to Siemens Healthineers. Unite says this change would erode staff terms and conditions and would be of no benefit to workers or patients.

The strikes are set to cause disruption to blood tests and other laboratory services carried out for the trust and GP services.

The maintenance and management of medical technology will also be disrupted.

Previous industrial action took place on February 11, 12 and 13. During those strikes, the trust admitted it had failed to reimburse mileage and late-night taxi travel for pathology staff.

The trust had also not established a contingency plan for crucial services such as blood transfusions, for which striking staff agreed to provide cover.

Talks between Unite and the trust followed the initial strikes. However, senior management reportedly said they were unaware of some key concerns, and confirmed that shift changes would still be imposed.

Unite claims this reinforced the need for further action. A five-day strike scheduled by workers from today (Monday, March 9) until Friday, March 13.

Unite regional officer Sujata Virdee said: “The trust’s continued appalling treatment of these workers has only strengthened their resolve. Unite’s door remains open for genuine negotiations, and we expect the trust to come to the table with substantive proposals without further delay.

“Strikes will continue to escalate until that happens.”

The trust did not respond to the bullying and harassment allegations.

Chief executive Matthew Trainer, told the Recorder last week that the pathology shift changes are required due to the trust not having a 24/7 service.

He said: “We’re disappointed Unite have called a second strike, which will have an adverse impact on our patients.

“We need to make changes to the shifts our staff work in pathology because we are one of the few trusts that don’t have a 24/7 service. 

“We recognise the impact this will have on colleagues who will be affected by this change and we’re willing to offer a level of pay protection that is higher than elsewhere in the NHS.

“We’re keen to continue negotiating and we need Unite to agree to provide safe cover.

“This usually happens during a strike in the NHS in order to reduce the risk faced by patients.”