Ambulance crews set for f irst national strike in 30 years
AMBULANCE workers have threatened their first nationwide strike in more than 30 years – warning stretched resources are putting patient safety at risk.
A Scotland-wide ballot could lead to the first national action since the dispute of 1989, when the Army was called in to cover for emergencies.
The three unions representing crews in Scotland – GMB, Unison and Unite – have launched a consultative ballot to gauge members’ support for industrial action, up to and including a strike early next year.
The unions – which between them represent around 3,500 ambulance service staff – took action after talks over rest breaks for crews broke down.
GMB Scotland organiser Karen Leonard said: ‘This is about defending the right to appropriate rest periods for ambulance service staff. It’s in the interests of both staff and patient safety.
‘It is staggering that service management cannot see the problem here. Staff are entitled to a 30-minute break between the fifth and seventh working hour of their shift. It is a small window of respite and recovery for staff amid the very obvious stresses and strains of the job.
‘Despite union proposals to work without rest for up to six hours, management rejected this, allegedly on the basis of “patient safety”.
‘This is particularly baffling given that response cover is always provided and would continue to be provided for purple calls [the highest risk category]. Our members are now saying enough is enough.’
Crew morale is said to be at rock bottom and the unions are confident members will back options of industrial action such as work to rule, including no overtime, and a strike.
The indicative ballot will run until December 18. If members support action and talks have not made a breakthrough, a statutory ballot would be held to give the legal mandate required.
Unison regional organiser David O’Connor said: ‘Members are finding they are getting into their seventh, eighth or ninth hour of a shift before getting a break.
‘These are people who are treating patients and driving ambulances. To go that time without a break is not the best for crews or patients.’
Unite represents around 1,400 of the 4,500-strong ambulance workforce, while the GMB is balloting more than 1,000 members. Unison has about 1,000 members.
A Unison study this year found that ambulance staff were at ‘breaking point’. Almost 90 per cent reported heavier workloads, rising to 98 per cent among paramedics. Almost half of paramedics, 47 per cent, said they often thought about quitting.
The Scottish Ambulance Service said: ‘Staff welfare is a key priority. We continue to explore a range of options in a bid to reach a constructive solution.’
The Scottish Government said: ‘We are aware of the ongoing concerns and understand management are working closely with staffside representatives to resolve any issues.’