More than 150 frontline workers will walk out today and tomorrow in a dispute over pay and conditions.  

Where: Airedale General Hospital, Skipton Road, Steeton, Keighley, BD20 6TD 

When: 15 and 16 September, picket-lines will run from 6am to 9am and 2pm to 5pm on the 12,15,16 September 

Contact: Joe Wheatley on 07598 944673 or [email protected] 

The Airedale Hospital strike is set to continue after talks broke down. 

More than 150 frontline workers will walk out today and tomorrow in a dispute over pay and conditions.  

The affected workers, including porters, domestics, catering and security staff, are employed by AGH Solutions (AGHS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust. 

Unlike their NHS colleagues, AGHS staff are denied access to standard NHS terms and conditions, including the pension scheme, sick pay, annual leave entitlements and enhanced rates for Sunday working. 

Talks between GMB and the trust took place during the first strike [12 September] but broke down when management refused to consider any compromises. 

Joe Wheatley, GMB Organiser, said: 

“After two months of no engagement, senior management reached out the day before the first strike.

"The Managing Director claimed he wanted to take AGH Solutions in a different direction from the NHS pay, terms and conditions  - but that is exactly what our members want from this strike.

“The trust's proposals fell well short of this. Now, because of their unwillingness to move closer towards full harmonisation, the strike will continue. 

“These workers do a vital job ensuring Airedale Hospital can run; it's completely out of order that they being denied the same rights and recognition as their NHS colleagues. 

ENDS