Operating theatre staff at Bedford and Luton and Dunstable hospitals to walk out over overtime pay row
Staff working in operating theatres at hospitals in Bedfordshire have voted unanimously to strike after their overtime rates were cut.
UNISON, the union, says workers had been paid time and a half for working more than their contracted 37.5 hours a week.
But Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Bedford and Luton and Dunstable hospitals, ditched the payment in February.
A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said the changes were “not made lightly” and were to “ensure fairness across our workforce, to bring legacy local arrangements in line with Trust‑wide standards, and to support the long‑term sustainability of our services”.
Workers now have to book shifts through the trust’s ‘bank’ system and are paid at a standard rate if they work beyond their contracted hours.
The Trust spokesperson said: “We value our theatre teams enormously and fully recognise the skill, commitment and pressure involved in their roles.
“We are sorry that some colleagues feel distressed by the recent changes, and we are continuing to meet with staff and trade union representatives to listen to their concerns and to ensure they have all the correct information in relation to the changes.”
The union said it fears the cut will worsen short-staffing and lead to more cancelled operations.
Staff will discuss the strike with the union, and the walkout dates will be announced soon.
The Trust spokesperson explained: “Earlier this year, the Trust standardised overtime and additional‑hours payments for theatre staff so that all colleagues are paid consistently and in line with national NHS Agenda for Change arrangements.
“This followed a lengthy and formal consultation process, including individual discussions with affected staff and engagement with trade unions and ACAS.
“We remain committed to working constructively with UNISON and our theatre teams, and we hope to avoid any industrial action. Our priority is always to maintain safe, high‑quality care for patients while supporting our staff as much as possible.”
UNISON Eastern head of health Caroline Hennessy said: “The NHS is under huge financial pressure at the moment, but bosses shouldn’t go looking in theatre staff’s pockets to make their savings.
“This unanimous vote for strikes shows exactly how upset workers are at this raid on their wages.
“There’s still time to avoid strikes - the trust just has to bring back the overtime rates that workers were paid already.”