Microbiology workers at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust have announced plans to take industrial action later this month, citing concerns about pay and working conditions.
The staff involved carry out diagnostic testing services for Airedale General Hospital and local GP practices. According to the trade union Unite, the workers believe they are placed on a lower NHS pay band than is appropriate for the duties they perform.
Unite has also raised concerns about changes to out-of-hours working arrangements. The union says the trust has agreed to provide additional microbiology services for another NHS trust, which would increase night and weekend call-outs for staff.
Unite states that rota changes were introduced without consultation and without taking existing workloads into account.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:
“Airedale trust’s leadership are treating these workers appallingly. Not only are they being underpaid but now the trust expects them to take on out of hours work on top of their already considerable workloads. These workers are absolutely right to strike and they have Unite’s complete support.”
Industrial action is scheduled to take place between 18 and 25 December. Unite has said this is likely to result in delays to some microbiology testing services for the hospital and local GP practices during this period.
Unite regional officer Chris Daly said:
“Airedale’s management have caused this dispute with their treatment of these workers and they are the ones who can resolve it. Strikes can still be called off but that will require an offer from the trust that our members can accept.”
Unite has indicated that further industrial action could follow if the dispute is not resolved. Airedale NHS Foundation Trust has not yet commented publicly on the planned strike.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting commented on similar strikes from the BMA union, calling junior doctor strikes "unnecessary" and "reckless," urging the BMA to negotiate, stating the government won't be "held to ransom" by pay demands but is open to improving working conditions, contrasting the BMA's demands with a recent "good deal" offer, and condemning the strikes as inflicting "pain and misery" on patients and undermining the NHS.
Rotary backs Nell Bank with £5k pond upgrade and appeal launch
Arrest warrant issued for disqualified Ilkley businessman alleged to be in induced coma
Larger venue needed for literary duo event
Dates confirmed for the 2026 Lexus Ilkley Open
One of the "Seven Wonders of the World" on our doorstep
Questions raised over Ilkley 20mph scheme validity
Passenger Transport Services (PTS) will not operate tomorrow due to weather warnings
Council launches major consultation on housing
Appeal after stolen van in Ilkley
Storm Goretti: Yellow weather warning for snow in Ilkley
Acquisition will enhance Ilkley based SmartSearch services
New Cancer Support Group for Ilkley
Almost 200 Airedale Hospital workers to go on strike over pensions
Ilkley Colts stand out in new kit thanks to sponsors
New Ilkley English tutoring service helps students thrive
Changes to parking charges in Ilkley Town Centre
Retrospective "amphitheatre" plans by Burley Oaks
When the weather turns, turn to Your Ilkley
Entries to 2026 Ilkley Business Awards close on Friday
Help to navigating NHS and healthcare apps
