Ambulance workers to place pickets at Tipperary University Hospital on Tuesday
2,000 SIPTU members of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) have started a campaign of industrial action
Approximately 2,000 SIPTU members of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) in Tipperary and around the country began a campaign of industrial action today (Monday, 11th May) with work-to-rule measures implemented across the country as they prepare for a 24-hour work stoppage tomorrow (Tuesday, 12th May).
On Tuesday pickets will be in place in Clonmel on the Western Road and in Cashel outside St. Patrick's Campus between 8am and 10pm.
READ MORE: Pictures: First Holy Communion Day in Cahir
The action arises from the HSE's failure to implement the recommendations of an independent report on updating ambulance workers’ pay scales to reflect changes in their responsibilities and workloads over the last 20 years.
Further work stoppages are scheduled for 19th May and 26th May, with further action planned during June. The work-to-rule will involve members strictly adhering to their contractual obligations and refusing to cooperate with new procedures or changes.
SIPTU Ambulance Sector Organiser, John McCamley, said: “The dispute involves SIPTU members working as emergency medical technicians, paramedics, advanced paramedics, specialist paramedics and paramedic supervisors. SIPTU represents around 90% of the NAS personnel who are participating in the industrial action.
“Over the years, ambulance personnel have implemented changes within the service, seeing the model move away from patient transport to a higher level of pre-hospital care and treatment.
The number of operational practice guidelines for dealing with different incidents has increased dramatically over the years, including the need for additional training and qualifications.