Strikes at County Durham and Darlington Hospitals Called Off Amid Improved Pay Deal
Strikes at County Durham and Darlington hospitals are cancelled after workers accepted an improved pay deal, awarding back pay of up to £5,500.
Strikes in County Durham and Darlington Cancelled
In a turn of events that can only be described as a win-win, strikes at County Durham and Darlington hospitals have been cancelled after health workers accepted an improved pay deal. The looming threat of industrial action had been hanging over facilities like Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham, but the specter of picket lines has faded.
Negotiations Lead to New Agreement
Hundreds of healthcare assistants were preparing to walk off the job for 48 hours, but negotiations yielded fruit. The new agreement includes back pay of up to £5,500, depending on length of service, which is likely to put a smile on many faces, if not a few more cups of coffee in their hands.
UNISON Weighs In
Clare Williams, the UNISON Northern regional secretary, expressed relief, stating, "Striking is always a last resort, but healthcare assistants in Durham and Darlington felt they had no other choice. They’re delighted the trust has seen sense and come back with an improved offer to avoid any unnecessary disruption." One can only imagine how much happier the tea break discussions will be now.
Background of the Dispute
The core of the dispute revolved around the roles of healthcare assistants who were performing tasks like taking blood and conducting ECG tests—tasks they believed deserved a higher pay grade. It appears that the trust finally acknowledged their contributions, as they had agreed to regrade staff in 2024, but the back pay issue lingered until now. The resolution has certainly been a relief for all parties involved.
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