Unite warn ambulance workers will return to picket lines in absence of progress

Kenneth Fox

Trade union Unite, which represents members working for the National Ambulance Service (NAS), warned that workers will return to the picket lines if meaningful progress is not made in Labour Court talks, due to reconvene on Monday.

Last week, Unite and Siptu members working for the NAS engaged in a 24-hour stoppage as a result of management’s ongoing failure to implement the 2020 ‘Roles and Responsibilities Review’.

The qualifications, clinical responsibilities and operational duties of ambulance personnel have expanded significantly in recent years.

Despite the fact the ‘Roles and Responsibilities Review’ recommended enhanced pay scales to reflect the growing professionalisation of the service, those recommendations have not been implemented.

In addition, a five per cent increase recommended under the Benchmarking II process has not been delivered.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Unite members were heartened by the support they received last week:

"It’s clear that the public recognises the critical role, qualifications and expertise of these frontline workers.

"Sadly, management has not yet caught up with public opinion, and our members remain prepared to take whatever action is necessary to drive home their message.”

A further 48-hour stoppage had been scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, but has been suspended by unions to allow for talks.

However, the work-to-rule, which started last Monday, remains in place, and the 72-hour stoppage scheduled for May 26th will go ahead without a deal being in place.

Unite regional officer Eoin Drummey said: “Neither the HSE nor the minister for health should be under any illusion: Industrial action has been deferred, not withdrawn. Workers have waited six years for implementation of the Roles and Responsibilities Review, and they will not accept any further delay, dilution, or unilateral preconditions.

“In the absence of meaningful progress tomorrow, our members remain fully prepared to return to the picket lines.”