'We’ve been left with little choice': Leeds theatre hospital workers launch two-week walkout
Theatre staff are set to go on strike at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust for two weeks from Monday
Operating theatre staff from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust are set to walk out from Monday in a dispute over pay.
Theatre assistants will walk out from 8am on Monday and remain on strike for 14 days.
Trade union Unison said that staff are currently employed at band two, the lowest NHS pay grade, and they argue that staff should be paid a higher band for carrying out clinical duties.
The union said it had been in talks with hospital chiefs to resolve the dispute but said that staff had “no option but to strike”.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional secretary Karen Loughlin said: “Theatre 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.
“Staff 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.”
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.
"Patients can be reassured that plans are in place to minimise disruption and help us continue providing safe care during periods of strike action."