by Matt Trinder

Industrial reporter

UNISON members at Cumberland Infirmary took a second day of strike action today as they fight for a decade of missing pay.

The union said that 150 porters, cleaners, switchboard and catering staff employed by outsourcing company Mitie walked out on Friday, a turnout disputed by bosses.

Unlike workers directly employed by the NHS, Mitie staff at the infirmary have not received enhanced rates such as double pay for working unsocial times including weekends, leaving them “significantly out of pocket” according to Unison.

Unison and the GMB held crunch talks with Mitie and North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust last week in a final attempt to avoid industrial action.

The unions offered to withdraw their strike action if they received a written guarantee from Mitie that payments would begin soon, but the company, which generated £574 million in revenue in the last quarter alone, refused to make such a commitment.

Unison North West regional organiser David Atkinson said: “It is incredibly disappointing that key workers who have put their lives at risk to keep us safe during this pandemic have been forced to take strike action.

“Unison raised this issue with Mitie and the trust last year and gave an extra month’s notice [of strike action] in order to give the best chance of resolving this issue.”

Mr Atkinson said that further action was possible and called for NHS England to investigate the issue.

A Mitie spokesperson said: “Talks are continuing to resolve the situation and agree a long-term solution.”