UNISON said negotiations with the trust had stalled, and claimed NCA trust managers had “rejected offers” to return to the table until yesterday.
UNISON North West regional organiser Kevin Dolan said: “This breakthrough is testament to workers in the theatre department.
“They’ve stood firm and continued to deliver a high-class service while under significant pressure.”
Dolan said staff were not “asking for special treatment”.
“They just want to be paid the overtime rates they signed up for,” he said.
Gertie Nic Philib, chief people and strategy officer at the Northern Care Alliance, told the the trust was “deeply sorry” for any disruption to patient care caused by industrial action.
“We will do everything we can to minimise the impact on patients and maintain high standards of care and quality at all times,” she said.
“We also have contingency plans in place for emergency situations.”
Philib said the trust was “committed” to finding a “fair and sustainable resolution” while maintaining patient safety.
“We are planning on meeting with UNISON on Friday to try to find an agreement and we are hopeful of finding a resolution that can minimise disruption to patient care and delays to treatment,” she added.