Hospital staff in Leeds, who are to strike for two weeks over low pay and disputes over back pay, have said they have been left with “little choice” not to take industrial action.
Theatre assistants, who are members of Unison, will begin action on 22 June across three NHS sites in Leeds, including Leeds General Infirmary, St James’s University Hospital and Chapel Allerton Hospital.
Unison said the workers are currently on the lowest pay grade in the NHS but frequently carry out duties above that grade.
Dr Elizabeth Garthwaite, from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said plans are in place to minimise disruption in their services during industrial action.
Theatre assistants support fellow staff in the theatre room, and according to Unison, earn less than £13 per hour.
It would cost “little more” than £1 extra for them to move up to the next pay grade, which is more in line with the work they carry out, according to the union.
Since the launch of the union’s Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign, many healthcare support staff in England and Wales have secured regrading and back pay settlements.