Community support workers in Hounslow stage protest as strike goes ahead

Workers employed by Hestia taking strike action on 12 and 13 December, will stage a protest at the Hounslow council building on Tuesday 13 December.

Hestia Hounslow LIFE is a referral service which provides adult services in Hounslow. Staff say the charity is refusing to address understaffing and imposing unrealistic changes in working practices which will make it near impossible to provide the important services that at risk Hounslow residents desperately need. This is despite the referral service receiving an increase in funding from the local authority.

Hestia management are also refusing to negotiate with Unite over a cost of living pay increase and the provision of adequate travel expenses. Bosses have outrageously threatened Unite members with disciplinary action if they discuss pay with colleagues during work.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham said: “Unite members are taking a brave stand against a shambolic management who appear to be running the service into the ground. The workers taking strike action have Unite’s rock solid support.

The frontline workers who are Unite members provide support for people ranging from mental health support, addiction, immigration and language barrier support.

Unite regional officer, Steve O’Donnell said: “Workers continue to face unmanageable caseloads, increased stress and increased sickness. Hestia have done nothing to address the lack of resources. The management’s handling of this dispute is making the situation worse – they have even refused to go to ACAS for conciliation. Hestia management need to understand that burying their heads in the sand won’t work. Unite is standing by its members.”