No union does this unless all other measures have failed. Once again it’s a story of those at the top trying to make ends meet by penalising those at or near the bottom of the heap.

Theatre assistants take responsibility for ensuring important hygiene standards are maintained when people undergo surgery, setting up before surgery,  being responsible for handling samples to be sent to the labs for investigation, supporting patients and much more besides.  For this work they are paid in Leeds at Band 2 level, only twenty-one  pence an hour above the minimum wage, whilst in other hospitals in the region workers are paid at band 3 level.

Band 2 is the lowest NHS band: normally duties include basic personal care such as washing feeding and toileting as well as recording patients fluid balance and nutrition.

In addition to the specific theatre assistant duties mentioned above Band 3 workers generally are involved in monitoring patient heart rate and blood pressure, wound observations, supervising hygiene procedures and general post-operative care for patients.

Over a hundred NHS Trusts have already agreed the regrading.  Leeds NHS Trust’s interim chief executive, Brendan Brown, had previously resolved a similar dispute in Huddersfield and Calderdale,  agreeing to upgrading plus three years back pay.  In Leeds his offer includes only one years back pay as a result of which his offer has not been acceptable.

Limited action has now been continuing since the end of last year.  With no sensible response from Leeds Hospitals Trust stepping up action has become necessary.  A full on strike has continues with daily pickets involving not only Unison but also with support from other unions as well including Unite Community, RMT and Leeds TUC.

On 9 October there was a well supported mass picket of union members and socialists outside Leeds General Infirmary, addressed by Labour and Green councillors as well as Leeds East MP Richard Burgon.  With music from Joe Solo. 

The statement from Leeds Hospital Trust reads “we remain committed to valuing staff and to working closely with TU representatives”. Pity that doesn’t include paying people properly for the work they do!

The last word goes to John Inglis, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Unison branch chair: “Everybody getting in touch understands the unfairness at play.  Workers doing the same job twenty miles apart shouldn’t be getting paid differently”