![\"Leeds](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/2_Leeds-GI.jpg\")
<\/p>\nUnison has issued a statement<\/p>\n
A view of Leeds General Infirmary(Image: PA)<\/p>\n
Hospital staff will begin a two-week walkout next week.<\/p>\n
NHS<\/a> staff working in operating theatres across Leeds are set to strike for two weeks in an ongoing dispute over back pay and fair grading. The theatre assistants employed by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust <\/a>will walk out from 8am on Monday, June 22, and remain on strike for 14 days.<\/p>\n The workers say they have been carrying out duties that should be paid at a higher rate, according to trade union Unison. This includes reducing the risk of infection for patients, handling clinical samples, supporting surgical teams and assisting with specialist equipment.<\/p>\n They are currently employed at band 2, the lowest NHS pay grade, despite carrying out a range of clinical duties which they claim should be paid at the higher band 3 rate. Theatre assistants earn less than \u00a313 per hour, says Unison. It would cost little more than \u00a31 an hour extra for them to be at the top of band 3, it adds.<\/p>\n Unison says no progress has been made in resolving the dispute despite a productive meeting with hospital bosses earlier this month. They say staff have now been left with no option but to strike.<\/p>\n Unison’s Yorkshire and Humberside regional secretary Karen Loughlin said: \u201cTheatre assistants have shown extraordinary patience throughout this dispute. They carry out vital work to ensure patients receive safe care and surgical procedures can go ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cStaff do not want to be taking further strike action, but they have been left with little choice. Other NHS employers have reached sensible agreements on regrading and back pay. Leeds must do the same. These workers are simply asking to be treated fairly and consistently with colleagues elsewhere in the NHS.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr Elizabeth Garthwaite, interim Chief Medical Officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: ” Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, and we want everyone to feel valued, respected and able to raise their concerns. We continue to work closely with colleagues in Theatres as well as staff-side representatives.<\/p>\n “Patients can be reassured that plans are in place to minimise disruption and help us continue providing safe care during periods of strike action.”<\/p>\n Since the launch of the union\u2019s Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign, tens of thousands of healthcare support staff in England and Wales have secured regrading and back pay settlements. This follows acknowledgement by employers that support staff had been undertaking work above their pay grade, according to Unison.<\/p>\n