Pathology and clinical engineering workers at Queen’s Hospital are planning to take industrial action between March 9 and March 13, over alleged bullying, as well as shift changes and loss of pay.

Workers initially walked out between February 11 and 13, however the strike action has now escalated following a breakdown in talks between senior management at the hospital and union Unite.

Unite claimed that management failed to put forward any further proposals towards resolving the dispute, and that notes sent after the meeting “mischaracterised” what was discussed.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite will not stand by while these workers suffer bullying and have their jobs, pay and working conditions attacked.

“They have their union’s complete support.

“Strikes will not end until these issues are resolved by the trust.”

Pathology staff are striking over plans to impose a new shift system, which Unite says will see earnings reduced, while clinical engineering staff oppose the outsourcing of their department to Siemens Healthineers.

Pathology workers also believe the hospital trust has failed to tackle allegations of bullying, harassment, and discrimination within the department, despite these claims being upheld at an employment tribunal in 2023.

Matthew Trainer, chief executive of Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, said the pathology shift changes are required due to the trust not having a 24/7 service.

He said: “We’re disappointed Unite have called a second strike which will have an adverse impact on our patients.

“We need to make changes to the shifts our staff work in pathology because we are one of the few trusts that don’t have a 24/7 service. 

“We recognise the impact this will have on colleagues who will be affected by this change and we’re willing to offer a level of pay protection that is higher than elsewhere in the NHS. 

“We’re keen to continue negotiating and we need Unite to agree to provide safe cover.

“This usually happens during a strike in the NHS in order to reduce the risk faced by patients.”

The trust did not respond to the bullying and harassment allegations.

The strikes are set to cause disruption to blood tests and other laboratory services carried out by the pathology workers for the trust and GP services.

The maintenance and management of medical technology carried out by the engineering workers will also be disrupted.