Cancer workers hit back at bosses for better pay

Striking workers at the Institute of Cancer Research

Workers at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) began two weeks of continuous strike this week. The Unite union members are demanding a better pay deal.

Bosses removed their ­incremental pay scales in 2019, meaning pay has lagged behind the cost of living. The workers have already been on strike for nine days.

Close to 100 strikers ­rallied at the ICR’s Sutton site in south London on Tuesday to lobby the board of ­directors of the institute.

Striker Robert told Socialist Worker that the workers have had lots of support, including from people affected by cancer.

He said, “We want to be in that building fighting cancer. It upsets me that we are being misrepresented as greedy.

“I just want a fair pay system that rewards people for their dedication and loyalty.”

He explained that the action has already had an effect. After the first two days of strikes, bosses came back with a new offer. The union branch rejected it.

Liliana told Socialist Worker she would like bosses to address the gap caused by the loss of the incremental pay scales. She said, “We are not asking them to address that this year, but it’s only going to get bigger.”

Paul said, “In real terms we have lost 16 percent of our pay. A lot of people are struggling with the cost of living.

“A new CEO comes in and gets a 40 percent pay rise—it’s adding insult to injury. At the end of the day it’s about how much you are appreciated by the people who run the institute.”

He explained that bosses have already backed down. They threatened to move the lowest paid workers to a worse pension scheme and to start charging for parking. Both of these plans have now been dropped.

Postgraduate researcher Joe told Socialist Worker he was on the picket line because of the lack of pay progression. Joe also said that the ­canteen no longer serving hot food was like “a slap in the face”.

“It’s not unusual to see people working here until 8pm. We are not paid ­overtime. The least they could do is offer hot food.”

Helen from estates and facilities has worked at the ICR for nearly 23 years. She said it is becoming harder to negotiate a fair pay ­package, as bosses make decisions without consulting workers.

“We feel really ­passionate about working here,” she told Socialist Worker.

“But we’ve had enough of senior staff being paid more money and the poorest paid members of staff being paid even less. I feel it’s time to make a stand.”

Workers are waiting for bosses to come to the table with a new offer.

Strikers said they thought management expected a small strike and expected to be able to ride it out.

“They are hoping it fizzles out. But I don’t think it is going to fizzle out,” said Paul.