Phlebotomists are those who take and handle blood in hospitals. They are among the lowest paid staff in the NHS, and UNISON members from Gloucester and Cheltenham are taking action over fair pay.
Friday 4th July will mark their 100th day of strike action, and there will be a solidarity rally outside Gloucestershire Hospital from 10am-2pm to mark the occasion.
It would be amazing to have some of our branch up there to support them – please email our inbox if you’re keen to attend and we can organise transport (and RSVP to the rally here: Solidarity Rally: 100 days of strike action – UNISON South West).
You can also support them by donating to their strike fund or sending a message of solidarity – more info here: Fair pay for phlebotomists – UNISON South West
Read more about their story below:
We are specialist health workers who take and handle blood samples from patients, including children and adults with complex needs. Our role is skilled, essential, and often urgent. But we’re among the lowest paid staff in the NHS, on just £12.36 an hour.
Over a year ago, we found out we’re being underpaid. According to NHS rules, our knowledge and responsibilities mean we should be on Band 3, not Band 2. That’s 77p more an hour, a small amount for the Trust, but a huge difference for us.
We’ve been on strike since 17 March 2025. That’s 100 days of lost pay, but we’re not backing down. We want to keep working in the NHS. We just want to be paid properly.
This dispute is about more than pay. It’s about dignity. It’s about fairness. It’s about not letting NHS workers be walked over.