Paramedics set to strike if core rostering is introduced

Paramedics in the midlands have voted to strike over plans to introduce core rostering.

The National Ambulance Service Representative Association says the system would enable management to change rosters at 24 hours notice - which is unfair on already stressed paramedics and may result in delayed response times.

94% of the members polled in Offaly, Laois, Westmeath and Longford voted to strike.

Des Kavanagh, General Secretary of NASRA's parent group the Psychiatric Nurses Association, outlines what will happen next: "We'll be communicating this to the employers over the next 24 hours.

"We will be giving the amulance service two weeks notice, that if they proceed, or continue to proceed to impose core rostering on our members, then they will be facing strike action in two weeks' time."