More work bans for hospitals

Thousands of hospital support workers are reinstating work bans such as refusing to remove rubbish and meal trays in protest over the State Government's privatisation of essential services.

Cleaners, orderlies and catering staff have voted to impose bans to show their opposition to the Government's expected contract with the company Serco to run 31 non-clinical services at the new Fiona Stanley Hospital.

Their union, United Voice - previously known as the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union - said the work bans were designed to create strain on management, not compromise patient care.

But it said it could slow down services.

Secretary Dave Kelly said today the Government was ignoring widespread opposition to the privatisation of hospital services.

"Serco will be running the show in what was meant to be the State's flagship hospital," he said.

"The Government is passing over this huge responsibility to a firm from overseas who will be going all out to make a profit."