Striking NHS staff across Teesside to take seven more days of action, says UNISON
Hundreds of healthcare workers across Teesside will be walking out again - this time for 5 days starting on Monday, then two more days the following week.
Hundreds of healthcare workers across Teesside will be walking out again - this time for 5 days starting on Monday.
Unison members from South Tees and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS trust are striking as they call for their wage banding to change.
The latest action will begin with an initial five-day strike from Monday 10 to Saturday 15 June. This will be followed by a further 48-hour period beginning the following Monday (17 June).
Staff have been campaigning to move to a wage band in the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale that they say more accurately reflects the work they've been doing and to secure a fair back pay settlement.
UNISON Northern regional secretary Clare Williams said: “The trusts’ behaviour is extremely disappointing. They should do the decent thing and get round the negotiating table to talk about back pay and the other outstanding issues.
“Healthcare assistants have done unpaid clinical work for years and it’s time for the employers to talk with the union to find a fair level of back pay. This dispute needs to be settled once and for all.
“The trusts have been given every opportunity to discuss the situation with the union and Acas but they’ve refused.
“UNISON will continue to support staff in their fight against this pay injustice until the trusts see sense, value their workers and resolve this dispute.”
A spokesperson for North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "The role healthcare assistants play on our wards and in the community is much valued by our colleagues and patients.
“We have worked closely with trade union colleagues to move our healthcare assistants to the higher grades where applicable in line with the national profile and have committed to back pay dating back to July 2021.
“Patients are asked to attend any appointments as usual, unless we contact them to reschedule.
“Urgent and emergency care will be prioritised to ensure those in life-threatening emergencies can receive the best possible care. People can help us to keep A&E free to treat the most serious conditions by accessing help from NHS 111 online for non-life-threatening medical issues.”