More strikes are expected at a crisis-hit NHS trust after hundreds of theatre staff overwhelmingly rejected its latest offer in a long-running dispute over overtime pay.
Nearly all (99 per cent) of more than 400 theatre staff, including nurses, clinical support workers and housekeepers, working across four hospitals voted to reject the Northern Care Alliance's (NCA) offer.
Staff Reject NCA's 'Best Offer'
The trust, which runs Salford Royal, Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Infirmary and Fairfield General Hospital in Bury, said it was "very disappointing" that workers had rejected what it described as its "best offer" to end the dispute.
Trade union Unison, which represents the striking workers, said staff had sent a "resounding message" to NCA bosses and confirmed staff would continue to strike.
The dispute centres on the use of an outside agency called NHS Professionals (NHSP) to manage additional shifts, with Unison claiming the arrangements could leave some workers earning up to £80 less per shift than under previous arrangements.
Union Accuses Trust of 'Scare Tactics'
The latest offer from the trust, put forward on October 7, would have seen eligible theatre staff receive enhanced payments for additional voluntary shifts through NHSP, as well as improvements promised to staffing, rotas, management and working conditions.
However, the union hit out at the trust on Tuesday (November 3), accusing NCA of using "scare tactics" to persuade workers to accept the offer.
Unison North West regional organiser Kevin Dolan said: "Staff are sending a resounding message to NCA bosses. They're standing together and won't be deterred in their fight for what's right.
"It's disappointing the trust has resorted to scare tactics, by telling staff this was the final offer. But that's not the trust's decision to make.
"The union is writing to NCA immediately to make clear workers will carry on striking until they get fair pay."
Trust Warns of Further Delays
Speaking at a meeting of the trust's board on Wednesday (November 4), Interim Chief Executive Kevin McGee said it was "very disappointing" that the offer had been rejected, but added that work to improve theatre conditions and staffing would continue.
Interim Chief Operating Officer Leah Robins warned there was potential for further strike action in November.
The trust has said its priority is maintaining patient safety and minimising disruption during any further industrial action.
Responding to the rejection of the offer, Mr McGee said: "Patients have already had operations postponed and care delayed. Further industrial action will mean more delays and uncertainty for patients.
"We cannot allow these delays to continue. We must consider other ways to provide care during industrial action, including arranging for some work currently done by the NCA to be carried out elsewhere.
"Our door remains open to UNISON to discuss our best offer and work with us to end this dispute."
