Leeds hospital operating theatre staff to begin five-day strike in pay dispute
UNISON says workers are fighting for overdue pay and fair treatment
Last updated 27th Jan 2026
NHS staff working in operating theatres across Leeds are set to begin five days of strike action this week, in an ongoing pay dispute.
Staff from three hospital sites operated by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust will walk out from Thursday (January 29) until Saturday (January 31), with a second set of strikes from February 2 until 5.
UNISON claims theatre assistants, despite performing key clinical tasks like assisting with complex machinery, collecting samples and maintaining sterile environments, are still on the NHS's lowest pay grade.
The union argues these responsibilities should qualify them for a higher level of pay.
It follows a previous 48-hour strike in December. Leonie Sharp, UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional manager, said:
“There would be no need for staff to be back out on the picket line if senior managers at the trust took this seriously.
"Staff feel they have no option but to strike to make trust bosses realise how serious this issue is.
“They carry out crucial tasks to make sure vulnerable patients are operated on safely. They just want to be paid fairly for the work they do.”
The dispute comes after unsuccessful attempts to resolve the matter, including a meeting with hospital managers earlier this week that UNISON described as “unproductive.”
Dr Magnus Harrison, Chief Medical Officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“We want all our colleagues to feel valued and able to raise their concerns. We are continuing to work closely with theatre colleagues and staff-side representatives to reach a resolution as soon as possible.
“In the meantime, we have put plans in place to minimise disruption to patients during the periods of strike action.”