Dundee hospitals are in the grip of indefinite industrial action.
Last-ditch talks between health bosses and union chiefs took place on Monday afternoon but ended in a stalemate predicted by both sides.
With no resolution, 117 porters at Ninewells and Royal Victoria hospitals officially ceased to work at 6am this morning.
They have vowed not to return until NHS Tayside chiefs submit to a genuinely independent review of wages or produce evidence categorically disproving claims they have underpaid staff.
The health board has said such documentation exists, but in a meeting with Unite is understood to have indicated that it “cannot locate it”.
With open-ended strike action now under way, NHS Tayside has been forced to utilise its most detailed contingency plans to ensure that the two hospitals continue to run as smoothly as possible.
It has acknowledged that patient services will undoubtedly be affected, but has stressed that portering duties will be covered.
The board’s contingency plans are likely to see it continue to call upon staff from departments across the hospitals.
More than 200 people have volunteered their services to carry out a range of additional roles.
West End Labour councillor Richard McCready said the dispute had become “farcical” but stressed his support for the striking staff.
“I have listened to what Unite and their members have to say and I fully support them in their action.
“There must now be a swift resolution to this dispute so that the workers, their colleagues and patients do not suffer any further hardship.”