A UNION says a planned strike at Airedale Hospital was called off following a new funding offer.

The GMB says porters, cleaners and caterers were due to walk out for 72 hours from midnight yesterday in a dispute over pay.

According to the union, employees of AGH Solutions – a wholly-owned subsidiary of the health trust – are being paid different rates for doing the same job.

Workers are now voting on whether to accept a proposed offer and the result is due on Friday.

Rachel Dix, GMB regional organiser, said: “Industrial action was called off after the NHS trust intervened and pledged to increase the funding available to pay the outsourced workers.

“This is a step in the right direction and a welcome move from the trust.

“GMB Union has suspended strike action following the talks.

“Workers at Airedale Hospital are now voting on the new deal.”

David Moss, Managing Director of AGH Solutions, said:“I am pleased that we have been able to reach a mutually agreeable position with GMB organisers. 

“GMB are now balloting their members, with the results being confirmed this Friday 23 July.”