Maternity staff to go on strike in backpay dispute

Maternity workers are expected to walk out from 06:30 BST on Monday for two days

Maternity workers in Grimsby are to take industrial action over two days next week in a dispute over backpay.

Unison said staff at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital had been moved into a higher pay band, which should have happened several years ago, and as a result were seeking compensation for "earlier unrewarded work".

They will strike on Monday and Tuesday if an "acceptable offer" is not made by bosses.

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust said discussions with the union were ongoing to "find a mutually satisfactory resolution".

According to Unison, one midwife support worker said she felt "undervalued, underpaid and overworked for decades".

Ashley Harper, one of the union's regional organisers, said: “Staff were working above their pay grade on goodwill for too long.

"It’s time the trust made an offer to make up for all the years the workers were effectively being underpaid - avoiding the need for next week’s strike.”

A spokesperson for the trust said: "Our maternity support workers are highly valued members of staff and we continue to be involved in discussions with Unison, including later this week, to find a mutually satisfactory resolution.

"Our priority continues to be the safety of the expectant parents and babies in our care and we have robust plans in place to maintain a safe service should the strike go ahead."

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