Embassy protests planned to back ambulance staff

PROTESTS are to take place tomorrow at around ten embassies across the globe in support of ambulance staff here in Ireland. The protests come just 24 hours before ambulance personnel are due to converge from around the country at the gates of Dáil Éireann as a dispute with the HSE escalates.

The group will also hand over a petition calling for the HSE to recognise their union of choice, which has been signed by more than 10,000 people.

 The action centres on the HSE’s refusal to recognise the National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA), a branch of the PNA, as the trade union of choice for more than 500 ambulance staff personnel.

Cork TD Mick Barry has called for the HSE to begin talks with the union and said Health Minister Simon Harris will face renewed calls in the Dáil this week to intervene should the HSE refuse to do so.

 “The Government are standing behind the HSE in their refusal to recognise a trade union chosen by more than 500 workers to represent them,” said Deputy Barry.

“In so doing, they are giving comfort to hundreds of employers across the country who refuse to recognise unions in the private sector. 

"All workers should support ambulance paramedics as they stand up and fight back against this union-busting policy.”

Ambulance crews have gone on strike on around 10 separate occasions so far this year, adding to the issues facing the health service.