A STRIKE by hundreds of health workers could be back on the table after they accused Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) of failing to agree to their demands over back pay.

Around 500 clinical support workers (CSWs) at WUTH had been due to take 10 days of industrial action last month before an apparent agreement was reached.

Staff based at Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge Hospitals called off the strikes, with Unison saying the employer had now agreed to its demands, which included being "paid for clinical work they routinely do", and "to put right the years they’ve been underpaid" by awarding backpay to April 1 2018 as an "absolute minimum". 

After agreements were made over a backstop date of April 2018, WUTH and UNISON met with ACAS on November 10 to continue talks regarding the ongoing dispute after disagreements over retrospective re-banding.

The Trust added that it was "disappointing that UNISON are continuing strike action whilst ACAS conciliation is ongoing, especially as this is not in line with action taken at other Trusts in the region."

A spokesperson for the Trust added: “Whilst we are disappointed with UNISON’s response to this matter, we continue to be open to these discussions and remain committed to finding a resolution”.

UNISON regional organiser, David McKnight, said: "Having made significant progress in talks and suspended seven days of strike action, members are furious that the trust insist on a position that could see hundreds of them miss out on the back pay they've been striking for.

"We call on the trust to honour the spirit of our previous talks and ensure that all those who've undertaken clinical duties above their pay band are fairly compensated for their work.

"If we don't see progress, members are determined to win what they're owed by considerably escalating their strike action."