SIPTU meets with TDs, Senators over ambulance dispute

SIPTU served notice of strike action for May due to a long-standing dispute with the HSE over its failure to implement the recommendations of an independent report on updating staff salary scales to reflect changes in their responsibilities and workload over the last 20 years.

Over a dozen representatives from political parties attended Wednesday’s meeting.

The dispute involves approximately 2,000 SIPTU members working as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Paramedics, Advanced Paramedics, Specialist Paramedics and Paramedic Supervisors.

Over the years, ambulance personnel have implemented changes within the service, seeing the model move away from patient transport to a higher level of pre-hospital care and treatment.

Since 2011, EMTs and Paramedics have increased their responsibility for administering various medications by 89% and 83%, respectively.

Operational practice guidelines for dealing with different incidents have increased dramatically over the years, including the need for additional training and qualifications.

Strike action is scheduled for:

Further strike action is planned for June.

Additionally, a work-to-rule will commence from 11th May, involving non-cooperation with any new procedures or changes.

SIPTU Ambulance Sector Organiser, John McCamley, said: “SIPTU representatives have called on TDs and Senators of all parties to support its members and to raise the issue of pay justice for ambulance personnel. SIPTU members have been left with no option but to issue a strike notice due to this long-running dispute.

“The overwhelming mandate from our members for industrial action, up to and including strike action, is an indication of the depth of feeling within the service that their sacrifice and commitment over the last 20 years to the professionalisation and modernisation of the service have been forgotten about by the HSE.”

“All we are asking is that, like other health professionals, their training qualifications are respected and recognised in an appropriate grading and pay structure which takes account of the major workplace changes which have taken place over the last 20 years.”

He added: “We call on the HSE to implement the recommendations of the independent report without preconditions and to introduce enhanced pay scales which properly recognise the training and professional level that our members are now carrying out their duties on a daily basis.”