Resolution of dispute up to management as workers wait over six years for recognition

Trade union Unite, which represents members at the National Ambulance Service, has confirmed that members working as emergency medical technicians, paramedics, advanced paramedics, paramedic specialists and paramedic supervisors will engage in a 24-hour stoppage tomorrow from 08:00 tomorrow (Tuesday 12 May) to 08:00 on Wednesday.

Last month, Unite and Siptu members voted overwhelmingly for industrial action due to 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 that 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: “Management have left our members with no option but to take action to secure long-overdue recognition and pay commensurate with their skills and expertise. They have Unite’s full support in this fight.”

Unions have agreed contingency plans with the HSE to ensure that patient safety is prioritised during the dispute.

Unite regional officer Eoin Drummey said: “The HSE can resolve this dispute by agreeing to implement the 2020 Review immediately and without preconditions. Our members would prefer to be on the frontline saving lives, but they have been forced on to the picket line to demand that the vital work they do serving communities across Ireland is finally recognised.”