The HSE says it has a contingency plan to prioritse patient safety and minimise disruption which may be caused by industrial action by ambulance workers who are members of SIPTU and Unite.
They’re in a dispute with management because recommendations on their pay haven’t been brought in.
Today’s (Monday, 11th May) work-to-rule will be followed by 24 hours of strike action tomorrow (Tuesday, 12th May) and a further two days the following week.
SIPTU Ambulance Sector Organiser John McCamley says their members have upskilled, which should be reflected in more pay.
The Health Service Executive says while the action continues people should contact 999 or 112 if they need help for someone experiencing a life-threatening illness or injury with priority given to those facing cardiac or respiratory arrest and those with serious trauma from road crashes or other such incidents.
All other health services are operating as normal, and if there is any change to planned care the person will be contacted.
Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor issued a statement to KCLR News:
“I want to assure our National Ambulance Staff that I appreciate the exceptional work that they do and the public service that they provide. Both the HSE and the Government accepts the need to increase and modernise pay arrangements for our staff working in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and the HSE remains firmly committed to addressing the current dispute through the process set out in Public Service Agreement 2024 – 2026. I think mediation and talking is very important and I hope both side can engage through the State’s industrial relations mechanisms.”
