ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Dozens of infection control workers at Guys and St Thomas' Hospital in London walked out last month in a row over working conditions.

The five-day strike, which began on February 24, involved the rapid response team tasked with performing "ultra cleans" in the most highly infectious disease areas of the hospital.

The cleaners went on strike because they claimed the rest facilities at Guys are inadequate while those at St Thomas' have no ventilation. They are also angry about the hospital's lack of engagement with their union over the use of potentially harmful chemicals. And they expressed concern about the continued use of bank staff rather than hiring additional staff on permanent contracts.

"These are some of the most valuable workers in the NHS doing unseen work to keep patients and other staff safe," said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. "They work in dangerous, infectious areas of the hospital and provide a cleaning service to keep disease outbreaks under control. Yet they are being treated with disdain by the trust."

A spokesperson for Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust said it instigated robust contingency measures to mitigate the strike action.

"We want all our staff to feel supported at work which is why we have been working hard for many weeks to bring an end to this dispute with our rapid response cleaners," he said. "We have listened to their concerns and made several changes to address them. We remain committed to working with our staff to resolve this dispute."

He added that the rest facilities at Guy's Hospital are to be upgraded with a new kitchen and furniture.