Defiant porters march and strike for fair pay

Porters at Ninewells and Victoria Hospital porters are taking strike action for fair pay. Mike A reports from their protest last weekend, with information about how you can show support.

Several hundred protesters joined a march and rally in Dundee on Saturday in support of the Ninewells and Royal Victoria Hospital porters who are taking strike action in pursuit of a regrading claim.

The rally was addressed by speakers from Dundee Trades Council and Dundee City Unison, and also by homelessness caseworkers from Glasgow who are undertaking their own indefinite strike action. The biggest cheer of the day came when the partner of a Ninewells patient called for management “heads to roll down Ninewells Avenue” once the truth about their mismanagement came out. Colin Coupar of Unite spoke of the dishonest maneuverings and provocations of the hospital management which have led to the dispute.

Cabinet Secretary for Health, and local SNP MSP, Shona Robinson had been invited to speak but was “unable” to attend.

The porters have been on all out strike since Monday and are sending out speakers across the local area and further afield. Please urgently pass messages of support and raise donations for the hardship fund.

Messages of support: Unite branch secretary John Boland at john.boland@nhs.net.

Donations: Porters Strike Fund, Unite Office, 110 Blackness Road, Dundee DD1 5PB, with cheques made payable to Unite.

Facebook: Please like and share the Support Ninewells Porters page