Ambulance staff to strike from May 12 in escalating dispute with HSE

A work-to-rule is also due to begin on May 11, involving non-cooperation with new procedures or changes. File picture

Ambulance staff are set to begin strike action on May 12 as part of an escalating dispute between Siptu and the HSE.

The first day of action will involve a 24-hour stoppage, followed by a 48-hour strike from May 19 and a 72-hour stoppage from May 26, with further action planned for June.

The move comes after approximately 2,000 Siptu members in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, up to and including strikes. 

Those involved include Emergency Medical Technicians, paramedics, advanced paramedics, specialist paramedics and paramedic supervisors.

A work-to-rule is also due to begin on May 11, involving non-cooperation with new procedures or changes.

Siptu said the dispute centres on the failure to implement recommendations from a 2020 independent review of roles and responsibilities, particularly around updating pay scales to reflect increased workloads.

John McCamley, Siptu ambulance sector organiser, said members had been left with no choice but to take action.

“A work-to-rule will also be put in place from 11th May, involving non-cooperation with new procedures or changes. The dispute arises from the NAS's failure to update staff salary scales to reflect changes in their responsibilities and workload over the last 20 years,” he said.

He added that ambulance personnel now provide a much higher level of care than in the past.

“Our members exercise clinical judgement, deliver complex and lifesaving care, including the administration of medications,” he said.

SIPTU is calling on the HSE to implement the report’s recommendations and introduce improved pay structures reflecting the skills and responsibilities of staff.