SIPTU has agreed to stand down a planned strike by members of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) next week following constructive discussions with the HSE at the Labour Court on Thursday (21st).
The talks concern the HSE’s failure to implement the recommendations of an independent report on updating ambulance workers’ pay scales to reflect changes in their responsibilities and workloads over the last 20 years.
SIPTU represents around 90% of NAS personnel affected by the ongoing dispute.
Following four days of talks, the Labour Court requested that the industrial action next week and the work-to-rule be stood down to allow the process to conclude.
The work-to-rule has been stood down from noon today (Friday, 22nd May). SIPTU members engaged in a 24-hour work stoppage on 12th May and have implemented a work-to-rule since 11th May.
The dispute involves SIPTU members working as emergency medical technicians, paramedics, advanced paramedics, specialist paramedics and paramedic supervisors.
“While this engagement was difficult and challenging at times, we believe that significant progress has been made,” SIPTU Ambulance Sector Organiser John McCamley said.
He added: “We remain in process, but the Labour Court has requested more time to deliberate on some of the issues in dispute. We are hopeful that this process will bring this long-standing dispute to a resolution.”