MP backs striking housing staff after bedbug invasion
Striking staff at a retirement housing complex deserve to be compensated after fighting a traumatic bedbug infestation, according to an MP.
Euan Stainbank, MP for Falkirk, backed the workers at Thornhill Court in the town before two more days of strike action started today.
The strikes are the latest industrial action at the complex where staff have accused managers of refusing to recognise their efforts during the six-month infestation. They are calling for compensation and for GMB Scotland to be recognised by Bield Housing.
Stainbank said the workers should be commended for their efforts to protect residents during a traumatic infestation in 2023.
He said: “The situation faced by staff at Thornhill Court during the prolonged bed bug infestation was unacceptable.
“These workers demonstrated exceptional professionalism and compassion, continuing to support vulnerable tenants under extremely challenging conditions.
“It is disappointing that their efforts have not been adequately recognised and I fully support the calls for fair compensation to recognise the circumstances they and the residents had to endure and for recognition of their union.
“I urge Bield to act with the urgency and seriousness this matter demands.
“The wellbeing of both staff and residents must be prioritised, and I stand firmly with the staff and union seeking a just and constructive resolution.”
GMB Scotland, say the staff went above and beyond to support residents after biting bugs infested Thornhill Court after one tenant refused to allow pest control teams to eradicate them.
Another 15 flats and communal areas were eventually infested when, staff say, managers and external support workers refused to enter the complex which, one worker said, was “literally jumping” with bugs.
The tiny bugs live in bedding and furniture and feed on blood with their bites causing anxiety, rashes and allergic reactions.
The complex is operated by Bield, one of the largest providers of housing and support services for older people in Scotland, with over 4,600 properties across 21 council areas.
A formal ballot by staff at the complex revealed overwhelming support for strike action to secure compensation for their work during the infestation and union recognition.
They said: “There was no guidance from management and no urgency. It was traumatic for tenants and staff and allowed to continue for far too long.”
Staff will strike at Thornhill Court today and tomorrow in the latest in a series of walkouts. Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland senior organiser in public services, said Bield has so far refused to seriously engage with workers or conciliation service Acas to resolve the dispute.
He said: “Management repeatedly insist in public that they want to resolve this dispute but, in private, show no urgency or serious interest in engaging with staff.
“We have tried to arrange talks through Acas but there has been no progress or any serious indication that management even want progress.
“Staff were abandoned during this infestation when they were left to cope with this stressful and distressing infestation and their justified concerns are being ignored now.
“It is unacceptable and the company’s intransigence has led to industrial action and increasing anger and frustration among our members that could have been avoided.”
A relative of one woman living at the complex during the six-month infestation in late 2023 and early 2024 also backed the striking workers and confirmed the conditions were horrendous with elderly residents feeling isolated and anxious.
She said: “Only local staff continued to come into work each day to support their tenants. I certainly don’t recall any senior member of staff visiting the complex at this time.
“I was dismayed to discover the staff who went above and beyond during this hugely stressful period have not received any recognition or compensation.”
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