HOSPITAL workers at the Wirral in Merseyside have launched a campaign of strike action over pay.

The 23 workers, who care for patients who have had serious operations, walked out today and tomorrow and will strike again on April 23 and 24.

They are members of union Unite and are employed by Wirral University Hospital Trust at Arrowe Park Hospital.

The union says the workers are on the wrong pay grade, leaving them £8,000 out of pocket.

Unite regional officer Derek Jones said: “Our members are totally fed up and justifiably so having not been paid the right wage for the work they are doing.

“The strike action will inevitably cause delays and disruption with surgery at the hospital but this dispute is entirely of the trust’s own making. 

“It has been given every opportunity to resolve this dispute and failed to do so.”

A Wirral University Teaching Hospital spokesperson said: “We have not refused to acknowledge the contribution of these staff members."There is an agreed process for reviewing banding and unfortunately Unite members have declined to participate in that process.

"As our aim is to resolve the dispute, we have offered further flexible alternative options for staff to provide evidence of work at a higher grade.

"It is therefore disappointing that strike action is being taken. Talks are on-going and we remain hopeful that a solution can be found.

“Comprehensive arrangements have been put in place by the Trust to prepare for this industrial action and as such there have been no delays or disruptions to our patients.”