Bob Doris MSP in move to avert Glasgow care homes strike

We previously told how around 200 employees at Baillieston Care Home, Cardonald Care Home and Stobhill Care Home were balloting for industrial action amid claims that overtime rates have been slashed by Silverline Care after they took over the businesses from the Four Seasons group earlier this year.

Now Bob Doris, who represents Maryhill and Springburn, has challenged bosses at Silverline and its parent company Clyde Care Limited to get around the table with union officials from GMB Scotland to try and thrash out a solution, as fears mount that the dispute could impact the wellbeing of those at the homes.

We told on Friday how disillusioned staff claimed morale had been destroyed by the ongoing row, with workers balloting last week over possible strike action. GMB bosses also say that the firm is trying to derecognise them as employees' official representatives.

The firm however says it has attempted to resolve matters through discussions with GMB and insists it remains open to further dialogue to try to avert any walkouts. 

READ MORE: 'I would leave right now if I could' - staff at Glasgow care homes reveal impact row is having on morale

In a strongly worded letter - which has been shared with the Glasgow Times - Mr Doris urged the firm to 'reconsider its approach' and work with staff and the trade union instead of being drawn into a conflict.

He said: "The Stobhill Care Home is within my constituency and there will be an impact to workers and residents, as well as many families members who all stay locally. Issues flagged also exist at both Baillieston Care Home and Cardonald Care Home.

"In the first instance, it is wholly wrong to seek to seek to withdraw GMB representation from a committed workforce who care for some of the most vulnerable people within our communities at the same time as there is a significant threat to the pay and conditions.

Bob Doris MSP (Image: Supplied)

"It is my understanding that the firm is simultaneously seeking to roll back employee entitlements regarding both the threshold as to when overtime is payable, as well as the rate it is paid at. I have also been made aware of proposals to erode holiday pay entitlement.

"The union is also concerned about the refusal to implement TUPE protections following the purchase of the care homes from Four Season and I would ask that management urgently meet with GMB Scotland and open up meaningful dialogue to resolve these issues."

Mr Doris says he is deeply concerned that a walkout by staff could have a detrimental effect on the vulnerable and elderly being cared for at the three Glasgow homes.

He added: I have concerns over Clyde Care Limited’s approach and I also concerned about the impact on residents within Stobhill Care Home and the other homes facing potential industrial action by workers.

"I know that staff would be reluctant to take such a step, but from what I have been told, they may have been left with very limited alternative options."

The Baillieston Care Home is among those affected (Image: Gordon Terris)

The MSP told the Glasgow Times that he is 'anticipating and looking forward to' receiving a response to his letter from care home bosses.

A spokesperson for Silverline said that a new management team was introduced in June and at that time there had been an unresolved negotiation with the GMB over pay rates for staff.

They added: "Silverline had met with the GMB with a view to agreeing terms that were realistic within the context of the homes' trading position, but the discussions ended in stalemate.

"Staff received a pay rise in line with the terms of the National Care Contracts and local market rates and the company was still open to having discussions with a view to reaching a sensible solution.

"In the event of industrial action, measures will be put in place to ensure the continuation of quality care at each of the three homes."