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.”