Ryan FowlerHealthcare workers at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, Merseyside, are striking this week due to a pay dispute with Wirral University Hospital Trust. Members of Unite including recovery theatre practitioners who assist patients post-surgery, claim they are not being compensated according to their responsibilities.
According to the union, these essential healthcare workers are being paid a grade lower than their duties warrant, resulting in a financial shortfall of up to £8,000. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated: “It is a disgrace that an NHS employer is refusing to acknowledge the hard work our members are doing and the vital service they provide to patients. The Wirral Trust must immediately do the right thing and pay our members the proper rate for the job.”
Following unsuccessful negotiations, the workers felt compelled to strike. The initial strike took place on 16 and 17 April, with additional actions planned for 23 and 24 April.
Unite regional officer Derek Jones commented: “Our members are totally fed up and justifiably so having not been paid the right wage for the work they are doing. They have the full backing of their union and unless the trust comes back to the negotiating table rapidly, more strike action will take place.”
