Care UK strikers headed back to London today, to lobby parent company Bridgepoint Capital in their ongoing dispute over pay.
The Doncaster workers are demanding a “meaningful” pay rise for staff who were transferred from the NHS to the private company, and the living wage for all others.
Twenty-seven of the strikers arrived at the private equity company’s headquarters – only to find that, for the second time, Bridgepoint had locked the doors and refused to send anyone to talk to them.
They stayed outside the building for two hours, with passers-by and drivers “even in posh cars” honking support, before marching to Hyde Park, singing and carrying a banner.
The 27 – who have a combined total of 460 years service as carers – have seen the profile of their dispute lifted as mainstream media has taken an interest.
A reporter from the Press Association attended this morning’s lobby, and recent coverage by the Observer has seen the likes of Dame Joan Bakewell calling for support for their cause.
The strikers also joined the People’s March for the NHS in Sheffield on Monday.
“We’re not letting it go,” said one of the strikers. “We can’t let it go!”
The Care UK workers started their latest round of action – a three-week strike – on Monday.
Messages of support or donations should be sent to:
Yvonne Butcher, branch secretary
Doncaster District and Bassetlaw Health Branch, 20511
UNISON Office
Jenkinson House
White Rose Way
Doncaster DN4 5GJ
