Unite the union claims the bullying has included the porters being told to inform managers before and after using the toilet and staff having periods are required to notify management of the fact to be granted additional toilet time.
In addition, the porters are denied breaks to drink water and chairs have been removed to prevent them sitting down between jobs, then union says.
When porters advocate for patient safety, for a medical escort or PPE, they are ignored and disciplined. Porters have highlighted the understaffing and equipment issues at the trust as a patient safety concern and no action has been taken.
Since the ballot was announced in October, Unite has been in extensive talks with hospital management but little progress has been made, resulting in strikes being called.
Unite regional officer, Kate Attwooll, said: ‘The strike action will inevitably cause serious disruption across the hospital but this is entirely the fault of management, they are well aware of the problems but have failed to take action to prioritise staff and patient safety and dignity.
‘Strike action could still be avoided but that would require management introducing the changes needed to end the endemic bullying of porters at UHS.'
The first 24-hour walkout will take place on 28 November, which will then be followed with strikes on Monday and Friday each week throughout December and January.
In response, Steve Harris, chief people officer at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS), said: ‘Prior to the ballot, and having been made aware of staff concerns, the trust commissioned an independent external review, seeking views of all the portering department. When we receive this report, the outcomes from it will support our ongoing efforts to address issues raised.
‘We have been in direct contact, verbally and in writing, with Unite and our portering staff to reassure them on a few specific concerns raised relating to claims made around trust policy. Regarding breaks, we have reiterated on many occasions to our porters that there isn't, and never has been, a requirement for any member of our staff to ask permission to take a bathroom break. Our porters are entitled to three official breaks during every shift and are actively encouraged to stay hydrated using any of the water cooler facilities throughout our hospitals.
'At UHS we want everyone who works here to feel they belong, are valued, respected and heard. We remain in active discussions with Unite and local portering representatives to address the issues being raised and will continue to work constructively to resolve the dispute.'
He added: ‘We have a robust system in place to ensure patient services and safety are maintained during any strike period.'
