British Medical Association workers protested in London on 19 March over pay and recognition.
The protest outside the BMA headquarters is about the union’s decision of bringing its employment and support staff in-house. They will be treated as new employees from the first day.
According to GMB union protest organizers, the move led to the affected employees – who are often the first contact for members needing help – being put on the lowest pay tier in their grade. The move applies to all staff, regardless of their tenure or support for the union.
The union stated that its members rejected BMA’s offer of approximately PS400 before tax because it did not address the core issue of the dispute and left workers’ concerns unresolved.
Recent member polls among those affected revealed that 91% would strike if necessary.
Gavin Davies said: “We are disappointed by the BMA’s continued undervaluation of the service provided by our members. We would expect more from a union that is a friend. These staff members have worked tirelessly for BMA members. We are only asking that the BMA do the right thing by recognising their years of service.”
GMB members who were previously employed by an outsourcer said: “We all knew that at that time we were paid a fraction the amount of direct employees of BMA. When we were brought on-site, we thought that we would be treated equally. But this was not the case. “I have been made feel completely undervalued and superior to my BMA co-workers.”
The member said that the BMA’s refusal to grant the same rights to employees is “incredibly hypocritical”, as they “proudly” fight for better conditions and pay for doctors.
BMA expressed disappointment that the GMB rejected its proposals to resolve the dispute. The union and BMA had worked together to find a solution while still meeting its obligations towards its entire 570 strong workforce.
According to a BMA spokesperson: The offer would have allowed the 44 employees involved to receive their pay increase for their first year of work brought forward seven months. The offer would have given them a growth in their pay of up to 41.9% for a full time equivalent (based upon 40 hours per week). This payment would allow for an earlier increase in pension contributions.
This proposal was made in addition to other improvements offered to their conditions since the transfer, such as an additional 14 days of vacation and a doubled pension contribution.
BMA said it “met and went above and beyond” TUPE obligations when transferring the workers, and remained committed to “supporting fair and beneficial conditions for all BMA colleagues”.
The spokesperson said: “We are now moving on to ACAS-mediated discussions with GMB, and we will be fully engaged in the process.”
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