GMB UNION workers at Coventry’s Victoria Park Care Home will begin balloting for strike action after it accused the firm which runs the centre of ‘failing to listen to workers’ concerns’.
The union claimed workers were furious after a popular local care home manager was sacked from the home after raising safety concerns about the referral of hospital outpatients to Victoria Park.
GMB bosses have now taken aim at HC-One, which runs Victoria Park.
Around 20 workers at the home are expected to join the ballot which began on Thursday, December 21 with a result expected after January 4.
Kate Gorton, GMB Organiser, said: “For months HC One top brass have stubbornly refused to listen to the concerns of our members.
“These workers care deeply about this care home and its residents, no one knows more about what’s best for Victoria Park than they do.
“Considering strike action is a last resort for them and shows the level of anger at HC One’s failure to act.
“It’s time for them to reinstate the home manager, take seriously the safety concerns of carers and get real on pay.”
A spokesperson for Victoria Park said: “Our care colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, and we value their expertise and unwavering compassion for our residents.
“As an organisation, we actively encourage and always listen to, the feedback of our colleagues.
“We will never penalise a colleague for raising feedback or concerns.
“While we cannot comment on an individual employment situation, we can confirm this matter is the subject of a full and thorough HR process in line with our standard practice.
“We are grateful to our colleagues from across our neighbouring homes who have agreed to cover shifts as needed to ensure our residents get the care they need in the event of any strike action.”
The spokesperson added the pay and reward of HC One’s staff was a top priority.
“The vast majority of our residents are funded by the local authority, and we continue to work with them to secure fee uplifts that will enable us to go above and beyond on colleague pay.
“In the past year, we have raised the rate of our lowest-paid colleagues by 10 per cent- an above-average increase.
“We continue to work towards further increases for all our colleagues.”
