Following significant progress in Labour Court discussions, the ongoing work-to-rule by Unite and Siptu members in the National Ambulance Service (NAS), and the 72-hour stoppage scheduled for next week, have been stood down to allow the Labour Court process to conclude.

The dispute centres on the ongoing failure to fully implement the recommendations of the McHugh/Crabtree report regarding pay and grading arrangements for frontline ambulance personnel. Those involved work as emergency medical technicians, paramedics, advanced paramedics, specialist paramedics and paramedic supervisors across the NAS.

Unite Regional Officer Eoin Drummey said:

“Our members have shown enormous unity, professionalism and determination throughout this dispute, and that collective strength has been central to bringing discussions to this stage.

“However, it is important to stress that the issues at the heart of this dispute have not disappeared, and the unions retain the right to reissue industrial action notice if a satisfactory resolution is not achieved.”