CLEANING, catering and portering staff in two hospitals reached a collective agreement with bosses today after 98 per cent of them voted for strike action last year.

More than 500 workers represented by the United Voices of the World union are now protected by the agreement with the St George’s, Epsom and St Helier Hospital Group, which allows for regular dialogue, collective bargaining and union representation.

It also provides for consultation on workplace policies and worker input on organisational changes.

St Helier Hospital porter Farrokh Hormoz said: “For so long, the lowest-paid workers have gone unheard. Now, finally, they have a platform that reflects their voices.

“I’m incredibly proud of my union. We held management to account in every meeting and that persistence paid off. This win shows what’s possible when workers organise and refuse to be ignored.”

St Helier cleaner supervisor Nassaia Nkusi added: “I’ve worked here for 26 years. Many people didn’t believe this was possible, but we proved them wrong.”