PROGRESS is finally being made on the dispute between members of the GMB union and Carillion at the Great Western Hospital.

Contractors Carillion have spent more than six months looking into allegations that one junior manager had been ‘intimidating and threatening’ Goan workers over restrictions on taking more than two weeks annual leave at once, affecting their ability to travel home to Goa.

The investigation found ‘serious shortfalls’ in the behaviour of a number of employees but the dispute continued.

In July, GWH chief executive Nerissa Vaughan addressed the issue in a report and pressed for early resolution to minimise the disruption and reduce the reputational damage to the hospital.

Today, acting chief executive and director of finance and performance, Maria Moore, will give an update on the issue during the GWH board meeting.

In the report, she said: “I am pleased to report that there has been no further industrial action by the GMB on the GWH site in their ongoing dispute with Carillion.

“Carillion have approached the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service to mediate in this dispute and the GMB have agreed to be involved.

“Talks have now been scheduled. It is hoped this will help the dispute reach an amicable conclusion reducing any further impact on the hospital.”

The issue, which has been ongoing since mid-December 2011, resulted in GMB members taking part in more than 20 days of strike action. Today’s board meeting is in the Academy at GWH from 2pm.