Ambulance workers vote for strike action

Ambulance workers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action due to a dispute over the failure of mangement to fully implement the recommendations of a report on service reforms.

The workers, all members of the SIPTU trade union, returned a result of over 95% in favour of strike action.

“The dispute has resulted from a failure of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) management to fully implement the recommendation of the Review of Roles and Responsibilities Report, which was jointly commissioned by the NAS, SIPTU and the HSE in 2018.

“This huge vote in favour of taking action demonstrates our members’ determination to ensure their employer honours its agreement in full when it comes to implementing widespread reform at the NAS,” explained SIPTU sector organiser, Ted Kenny.

He insisted that SIPTU members have fully cooperated with a plan drawn up by management to develop ambulance services “and they expect commitments about new grades and pay scales, which were made to them, to be met”.

“It is the function of management to secure the necessary funding to deliver the agreed vision for the service. This includes any payments arising to staff as part of their overall restructuring plan,” Mr Kenny said.

He added that management has been advised of the outcome of the ballot. The date and nature of the industrial action that will be taken is due to be finalised following consultation with SIPTU members.