Paramedics to strike on Friday

Paramedic

Paramedics are to strike on Friday 29 June 2018, this is the second day of action following the two hour strikes on Monday 18 June.

The North West Ambulance Service has been informed that paramedics who are members of the GMB union, and have been prior to August 2016, will take action at the start of their shift, for six hours, if their shift starts between 0600 and 1200.

There are approximately 50 GMB paramedics throughout the north west that are rostered on shift during that time and are therefore eligible to take action. The previous day of action saw 60 staff withdraw their services.

Paramedics who are not members of GMB will be on working as normal.

Michael Forrest, Deputy Chief Executive for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), said: “The trust is extremely disappointed with the actions proposed by GMB and believes it has worked closely with them to try and work through the issues which formed the basis of the ballot. Talks are ongoing and we will be doing all we can to minimise any impact on the public.

“We will continue to make attempts to resolve these issues as quickly as possible and would like to assure the public that their safety is our primary concern.

“This second day does have the potential to cause some delays, particularly to the less urgent calls so while we have robust plans to ensure as much cover as possible, we ask the public to help us by only calling 999 for an ambulance for life-threatening or potentially life-threatening emergencies. For non-emergency health concerns, alternative care and advice can be found though local pharmacies, GP surgeries, walk-in centres or NHS111.”