Crunch talks on ending hospital porters’ dispute

Framework for Unite and NHS Tayside to try to break strike deadlock

Crippling strike action by porters at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee has come a step closer to ending after Government inspectors announced plans to get both sides round the table.

After weeks of deadlock the Unite union, which is behind the industrial action, and NHS Tayside could begin crunch talks as “early (as) next week” to find a solution to the pay dispute.

The breakthrough comes after a Government body announced a framework for resolving the row, which has also seen porters strike at the Royal Victoria Hospital in the city.

Colin Coupar of Unite said: “It still goes on so we can agree an agenda to meet. Our view is that it is an interesting report that we are open to discuss.

“We are hoping to meet with NHS Tayside early next week.”

The health board’s HR chief George Docherty had initially said the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee (STAC) report supported NHS Tayside’s position that the porters had not been underpaid.

However, NHSTaysidelaterappeared to retract that position, although chief executive Lesley McLay said: “We are pleased that the review has now concluded and we now have the outcome from the STAC.

“Our priority is now to meet with our porters and Unite as soon as possible and work in partnership with them to agree a solution that will allow portering staff to return to the workplace.

“I have contacted the Unite regional officer giving my commitment to resolve this dispute and asking that both organisations meet as early as possible to discuss the way forward.”

Scottish Health Secretary Shona Robison yesterday called on both parties to work together to reach a resolution as quickly as possible.

“While the outcome of the STAC process has brought us a step closer, resolving this dispute will require compromise on both sides,” she added.