Published: 13/12/2001, Volume III, No. 5785 Page 10

Domestic, portering and transport staff at the Countess of Chester Hospital trust in Cheshire have embarked on a series of oneday strikes in protest at what they say are inferior pay and conditions imposed on contract staff.

The first 24-hour stoppage last weekend followed concern that staff who transferred from the NHS to private contractors Compass Medirest are being offered better terms and conditions than staff subsequently employed by the contractor.

Mick Cashman, regional organiser of the Transport and General Workers Union, said some porters were paid up to£1.20 per hour less than colleagues, while some workers received 20 days holiday and others 28. The union is demanding parity for all Medirest staff.

Mr Cashman said the trust could resolve this dispute 'because it is all down to money'. Around 160 workers took part in the stoppage, with Medirest managers providing cover. All sides are due to meet again today. In a statement, the trust said it was 'extremely disappointed' the strike had gone ahead.