A MEETING for GMB members was held at the weekend to discuss the next stage of their industrial action against Carillion at the Great Western Hospital.

Approximately 130 members attended the meeting on Saturday night and a decision was made to halt further strike action while Carillion interviews workers.

GMB’s incoming regional secretary, Paul Maloney, said the meeting was confident.

He said: “We have just completed a very successful seven-day strike.

“At the strike meeting on Saturday there were calls from our members for further prolonged action, but at this stage the GMB is recommending that we now represent our members at the grievances over the coming week to give the company an opportunity to conclude their investigations and deliver speedy findings in an air of industrial calm.”

In December, 109 GMB members submitted a collective grievance to Carillion about allegations of bullying and an unfair holiday system.

Carillion interviewed these staff to investigate their allegations in January and February, and this week is conducting a second round of interviews in order, it says, to proceed with the investigation fairly.

Mr Maloney said: “GMB is adamant to see this dispute through to its conclusion and will consider the findings of the management investigations, which should not be unduly delayed."

At the beginning of the strike action GMB said they would put £100,000 into the strike fund, but GMB General Secretary Paul Kenny has made it clear that the union will make available whatever funds are needed.

The union says it is also receiving donations on a daily basis from other unions, trades councils and people who support their action.

Andy Newman, GMB branch secretary in Swindon, said: “Carillion have organised 18 meetings per day to hear from our members, and we have therefore dedicated three GMB officers full time to the investigations for as long as they proceed.

“Our dispute is very far from over, and further strike action is being considered as part of our joined up campaign to secure justice for our members.”