Unite warns action will recommence if sufficient progress not made

Union’s priority is to ensure and enhance patient safety

April 5th: Unite members working for the Waterford City and County ambulance service have suspended the industrial action which started today, pending talks with management and a representative of the National Emergency Operations Centre on Thursday April 7^th.  The industrial action will recommence if sufficient progress is not made during those talks.

Commenting, Unite Regional Officer Tony Kelly said:

“This morning, members commenced industrial action over the failure to resolve issues arising from new procedures which we believe could undermine patient safety. Today, we engaged with management on these issues and further talks are planned for Thursday, when a representative from the National Emergency Operations Centre will be in attendance.

“We have decided to suspend the action which started this morning to allow for further talks on Thursday.  However, the action will recommence if the talks do not result in sufficient progress.

“Meanwhile, our members would like to extend their thanks to all the members of the public, as well as elected representatives, who have supported our action today.

“Our members are determined to ensure that the Waterford City and County ambulance service continues providing the highest levels of service to the public. Unite’s priority is to ensure and enhance patient safety”, Mr Kelly concluded.

Notes

The action which started this (Tuesday April 5^th) consisted of:

• Refusal by Unite members to give digital codes on the Tetra Radio System
• Refusal by Unite members to fill out response times on Patient Care Reports

This action, which did not affect patient care and treatment, had been scheduled to continue for five days. If the action is recommenced, it will continue for a further four days.    Following that, if Unite’s concerns are not meaningfully addressed, members may escalate the action and withdraw all services