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Ambulance crews to strike on April 7, 2008

Date Released: 10 Mar 2008

1,200 ambulance personnel nationwide, have served notice of industrial action on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to expire at 8.00am on April 7, 2008.

The dispute concerns the HSE’s unilateral decision to sign contracts with three private ambulance service providers in contravention of an existing agreement between the HSE and its ambulance personnel that no such action would be taken without their prior acceptance.

“As dedicated health professionals, ambulance personnel regret that this course of action has become necessary,” said SIPTU National Industrial Secretary, Matt Merrigan.  “However, in view of the clear breach of faith by the HSE and in order to protect the ambulance service in the longer term, our members feel they have no other option but to take this action.”

According to Mr. Merrigan, the terms of a 2007 agreement between the HSE, SIPTU and ATGWU on a review of the role of private ambulance services state that the process of ‘expression of interest’ will not be acted upon until all parties have agreed.

“The 2007 agreement also commits the HSE to implement an adjudicator’s finding on the employment of front-line ambulance personnel.  As recently as February 2008, SIPTU sought and received clarification from the adjudicator who recommended that the number of paramedics should be increased beyond the level proposed by the HSE.

“However, while we were still discussing these issues, the HSE signed contracts with three private ambulance service providers behind our backs.

“We consider this action to be a complete breach of faith on the part of the HSE in its dealings with ambulance crews nationally,” he concluded.

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