Crunch talks aimed at bringing an end to the Tayside porters strike still may not resolve the dispute, it has emerged.
Following a meeting with the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee (Stac), Unite did not commit to abiding by any settlement ruling, despite NHS Tayside pledging to do so.
The decision from Stac, appointed to mediate in the pay dispute, will not be binding and is therefore not guaranteed to bring the 12-week industrial action to an end.
In a development described as a “definite game-changer” by Unite regional officer in Dundee, Colin Coupar, members of the Stac committee heard evidence from both sides and will now issue a judgment by June 12.
Mr Coupar said: “Whatever the ruling is, it will hopefully bring the sides together.
“This will resolve the situation much better than throwing accusations across a table, or not meeting at all, which has been the response from NHS Tayside up to this point.
“Whatever happens, this will open a can of worms.”
Both sides met Stac representatives and NHS Tayside staff have been asked to give will further evidence.
George Doherty, NHS Tayside director of HR, said: “We met with Stac to present NHS Tayside’s case as part of the review of the process relating to the grading of a number of Band 1 porters.
“Stac has confirmed that following consideration of both parties’ cases, the review will be complete by the June 12 and the outcome will be shared by this date.
“We have also reaffirmed our public commitment that we will abide by any findings made by Stac following the review.”
He continued: “I would like to state again that we are absolutely committed to reaching a resolution to this dispute and hope this can be achieved following this review.”