AIREDALE hospital workers have voted to strike against being treated like “second-class citizens,” their union GMB announced today.

The dispute involves porters, domestics, catering and security staff who have been outsourced to AGH Solutions (AGHS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

According to GMB, the firm uses its subsidiary status to not honour the NHS Agenda for Change terms and conditions, such as NHS pensions, sick pay rates, annual leave and Sunday working enhancements.

GMB organiser Joe Wheatley said: “These workers are absolutely vital for Airedale Hospital to operate safely.

“It’s outrageous that they are treated like second-class citizens.

“These workers will walk out with heavy hearts — Airedale and AGHS must now recognise how important they are and give them the same pay, terms and conditions as the rest of the workforce.”

AGH Solutions managing director Dennis Kentrop said: “I am clear that every AGH Solutions employee is valued.

“This is why we have significantly improved our pay, terms and conditions offer to colleagues on AGHS terms and conditions, including enhanced payments, increased annual leave and competitive pension contributions.

“We have also matched the recent NHS pay award for all of our employees.”