Ambulance workers set to strike in August
SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) have served notice of all-out strike action, the union has said.
The strike is set to begin at 8am from Wednesday, August 10, in a dispute related to their conditions of employment.
The move follows a ballot earlier this month in which SIPTU members in the NAS voted by 92% to 8% in favour of industrial action, up to and including strike action.
SIPTU Health Division organiser, Paul Bell said: "This action is regrettable but our members feel they have no option.
"NAS management has failed to adequately engage with our members on a number of issues.
"These include compensation due to them under the public service agreement, the implementation of a fully developed Intermediate Care Service as recommended by the Labour Court and the application of an annualised hours system.
"We are calling on the Minister for Health to instruct the HSE and the NAS management to engage with SIPTU representatives in order to protect and develop a key public health service.
"SIPTU representatives remain available for meaningful discussions on the issues in dispute.
"An emergency service will be provided by our members over the strike period."
Irish Ambulance Representative Council chairman, Peter Ray, said: "The decision to implement all out strike action clearly indicates our members’ frustration at how they have been treated and the failure of senior management to listen to our concerns.
"In recent years, our members changed work practices and achieved significant cost savings so that the NAS could develop within the financial constraints placed upon it by the wider economic recession. Our members have not received any recognition for the sacrifices they made.
"It is time for senior management at the HSE to deliver improved terms and conditions and a fully resourced service that is of a standard that the public deserves."
