Unite, which represents ambulance workers throughout Ireland, has said that proposals issued yesterday (Thursday) by the Labour Court offer a pathway towards resolving the long-running dispute which saw workers take industrial action last month.

The dispute had centred on the failure to fully implement the 2020 ‘Roles and Responsibilities Review’ which recommended enhanced pay scales to reflect the fact that the qualifications, clinical responsibilities and operational duties of ambulance personnel have expanded significantly in recent years.

The new Labour Court proposals recommend significant pay increases while largely protecting ambulance workers’ terms and conditions.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

“The progress made in the Labour Court is a vindication of our members’ decision to take industrial action in pursuit of recognition and pay justice, and again shows what can be achieved through collective action and strong union organisation.”

The Labour Court proposals will now go to a ballot of union members. The Irish Ambulance Representative Council, comprising members of Siptu and Unite, is recommending acceptance of the proposals.

Unite regional officer Eoin Drummey said:

“As well as ensuring that pay properly reflects ambulance workers’ skills and expertise, these recommendations largely safeguard our members’ terms and conditions. The Labour Court proposals offer a pathway forward and will now go to a ballot of members.”