MORE than 130 workers at Royal Liverpool Hospital launched two weeks of strike action yesterday, demanding they be paid a “Covid bonus” in recognition of the stress they faced during the pandemic.

The walkout by porters, cleaners and caterers, who are members of general union GMB, follows 18 previous days of strike action.

In November last year, the NHS agreed to pay staff a bonus of at least £1,655 in recognition of their stress during the pandemic in 2020-21.

During the pandemic, the workers were employed by privateer ISS. Their jobs were taken back in-house in April last year.

Kerry Nash, GMB senior organiser, said: “These workers put their lives on the line during the pandemic — just like other NHS staff.

“It’s a disgrace they have not been paid the Covid bonus they so richly deserve just because the trust had outsourced the service.”

The NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group said: “We value and recognise the contributions our colleagues have made.

“We are continuing to work with trade unions and remain committed to resolving this dispute.”