Gloucestershire hospital workers, primarily phlebotomists from Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General hospitals, have marked a significant milestone in what has become the longest strike in NHS history. Their strike, which began in March last year over pay disputes, has now surpassed 300 days, drawing public attention and prompting discussions with hospital authorities.
On Tuesday, January 27, 37 striking phlebotomists attended a Gloucestershire County Council meeting where hospital leadership was questioned over the ongoing dispute. The day before, Caroline Hayhurst, a Cheltenham phlebotomist and Unison representative, addressed the Gloucestershire Association of Trades Union Councils during a banner unveiling event. She highlighted the persistent struggle for recognition and appropriate compensation for their specialized skills.
“We started our campaign years ago seeking fair pay that reflects our responsibilities,” Hayhurst said. “Despite years of being overlooked, we took a stand on March 17 last year. Over 300 days later, our fight continues—not just for fair pay but for the ability to remain in our professional roles.”
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She pointed out that recent offers from the hospital have shifted focus from wage concerns to changes in job roles, proposing that phlebotomists transition into lower-paying healthcare support positions. “What began as a fight for fair pay has unfortunately evolved into a fight for our jobs,” she emphasized.
Responding at the County Council meeting, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive Kevin McNamara outlined two offers made to the phlebotomists. One involves commissioning an independent national panel, jointly requested with Unison, to review and determine the appropriate job banding, either band two or band three. McNamara stressed that the Trust would accept the panel’s decision to restore trust in the evaluation process.
The second offer entails creating a new higher-banded outpatient healthcare support worker role at band three. This role would allocate at least 50% of duties to phlebotomy and preserve weekend pay enhancements for some staff. Additionally, a discretionary one-off payment would acknowledge the dispute’s length, and workers with over two years’ service would be placed at the top of the band three salary scale, which ranges from approximately £24,465 for band two to £26,598 at the top of band three.
The union is currently balloting members on whether to accept these offers.
Council members voiced support for the phlebotomists and expressed dismay over the prolonged dispute. Paul Hodgkinson, public health cabinet member, noted his shock at the relatively low pay for such a vital skill, while Conservative Councillor Andrew Gravells praised the workers’ dedication and lamented the committee’s limited ability to resolve the conflict.
As the strike continues, the hospital staff remain united in their quest not only for fair remuneration but also to safeguard their professional identities within the NHS.