Ambulance workers to begin strike action in row with HSE over pay

"National Ambulance Service (NAS) paramedics will also undertake a 24-hour stoppage tomorrow, with its unions saying further industrial action is planned if a dispute with the HSE is not resolved. Last month, members voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action over what the unions described as management's failure to implement recommendations contained in the 2020 "Roles and Responsibilities Review"."

"According to the unions, ambulance personnel have taken on increased qualifications, clinical responsibilities and operational duties in recent years. The review recommended enhanced pay scales to reflect what it described as the growing professionalisation of the ambulance service, but the recommendations have yet to be implemented. The unions also said a 5pc pay increase recommended under the Benchmarking II process has not been delivered."

"Under industrial relations protocol, Siptu and Unite are obliged to ensure there is a service in place during strikes, though it could be severely curtailed. Sources previously said there was still a "big gulf" between the parties at talks. The dispute involves Unite and Siptu members working in the NAS as emergency medical technicians, paramedics, advanced paramedics, paramedic specialists and paramedic supervisors."

"Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said it was "scandalous" that frontline workers had been waiting six years for their skills and expertise to be recognised. Unite regional officer Eoin Drummey said responsibility for resolving the dispute lies with management. "If the HSE wants to avoid the inevitable disruption to ambulance services, it must commit to immediate and unconditional implementation of the recommendations of the 2020 review," he said."

NAS paramedics will take 24-hour industrial action, with unions warning of further action if a dispute with the HSE is not resolved. Members voted overwhelmingly for industrial action after management failed to implement recommendations from a 2020 Roles and Responsibilities Review. Unions say ambulance personnel have gained increased qualifications, clinical responsibilities, and operational duties, but enhanced pay scales reflecting professionalisation have not been implemented. Unions also say a 5% pay increase recommended under the Benchmarking II process has not been delivered. Under industrial relations protocol, Siptu and Unite must ensure some service during strikes, though it may be severely curtailed. The dispute covers emergency medical technicians, paramedics, advanced paramedics, paramedic specialists, and paramedic supervisors, involving about 1,800 NAS personnel.

Read at Irish Independent