Industrial Action Suspended Over Docklands And Coperforma Failures

GMB the union has suspended industrial action planned for today, 05 September, over on-going issues around Docklands and Coperforma failures to honour outstanding back pay and associated issues from dismissal and re-engagement threats.

Gary Palmer GMB Organiser said: "With talks now planned we hope that the expected frank exchange to allow Docklands to explain how they find themselves in this position after such a short time of being involved with Coperforma and the Sussex PTS contract and for GMB to reiterate that the worst way to resolve both the on-going pay issues and contract concerns is to simply dismiss and re-engage staff who have shown commitment to Docklands and the service throughout a very trying period."

"We are hearing that Coperforma are totally responsible for pushing Docklands Medical Services to the brink of collapse and Tuesday’s meeting will allow the company the chance to evidence us the problems and their causes which have resulted in the company claiming that their future is in serious doubt, and that’s certainly going to need an open and clear discussion on how that can be best tackled for the benefit of all concerned.

"Over the next few days GMB will be pressing the combined CCG’s and especially the lead High Weald and Lewes Haven CCG, who have over the last few days offered their support over the plight of Docklands staff pay issues by re-confirming to us that after the collapse of VM Langford’s that an integral part of any new contractor taking up the provision was that they adhered to all staff current terms and conditions, pension provision and NHS pay scales.

"It’s apparent that Coperforma’s advice to their contractor and severe cut to the level of provision earmarked to the company, along with payments meant to cover staffing costs being late on a monthly basis, which has brought about this potential collapse of yet another PTS contractor in such a short space of time."

(CD)