Tipperary TD supports ambulance crews in their battle for fair pay and respect
24-hour work stoppage by SIPTU members
Tipperary TD Seamus Healy has called for fair pay and respect for the frontline ambulance crews who staged a 24-hour work stoppage that began on Tuesday morning.
"Today I stand on the picket line with our paramedics, EMTs, advanced paramedics and ambulance personnel because I believe their concerns are justified and cannot continue to be ignored.
These workers go above and beyond the call of duty every single day. When they leave home for work, they never know what emergency, tragedy, or difficult situation they may face. They are highly trained professionals who undergo college education, on-the-job training, and degree-level qualifications to provide lifesaving care to people across our communities.
The reality is that their qualifications, responsibilities and workload have increased significantly over recent years, yet agreed recommendations on pay and recognition have still not been implemented," said Deputy Healy.
Deputy Healy said that after years of waiting, many frontline ambulance personnel felt they have been left with no other option but to take industrial action.
"I am calling on the HSE and Government to engage seriously and respectfully with ambulance staff and their unions to resolve this dispute as quickly as possible. These are dedicated frontline workers who are there for communities every day of the year, often in the most difficult and traumatic circumstances. They deserve fairness, respect and recognition for the vital work they do," he said.