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Ambulance drivers plan first nationwide strike  AMBULANCE
drivers in Ireland are to stage a nationwide strike.
At least 1,200 members of the ambulance service across the country will
begin strike action on April 7.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) and union SIPTU which represents the
paramedics are expected to meet in the coming days to discuss how emergency
cover will be provided on the day that virtually all ambulance workers
walk out.
Matt Merrigan of SIPTU said: “We are not doing any messing around
on this. It is the first time in history that the service nationally has
been affected by strike action.”
The action is in protest at the HSE’s decision to use private ambulance
services.
SIPTU has alleged that over the Christmas period the HSE awarded three
contracts to Blackrock, Medicall and Lifeline ambulance services for work
which its members would normally have carried out.
The battle over the ambulance providers began in mid-2007 when the union
discovered the HSE had sought expressions of interest in the provision
of private services.
An emergency meeting of the two sides was called and according to the
union it was agreed that a sub-committee would be formed to look at the
situation.
Mr Merrigan said: “It transpired that while discussions were taking
place between the union and management team, management were interviewing
and assessing the applications from the private ambulance providers.
“The HSE signed the contractors during the Christmas/new year period
with three separate companies.
“The union committee considers it a complete breach of faith in
its dealings with the ambulance management against a background of attempting
to develop a national ambulance service with its staff delivering a professional
service to the public.”
In Dublin the fire brigade provides ambulance coverage in addition to
the HSE. But Mr Merrigan said he did not envisage the brigade being able
to cover the shortfall in service during the strike action.
“They are already complaining they are overstretched,” he
said.
The HSE said it was disappointed at SIPTU’s decision to serve three
weeks’ notice of industrial action.
It said: “The notice of industrial action is in breach of the agreed
dispute resolution procedure for the health services.
“The HSE will be making contact with SIPTU in the coming days with
the purpose of agreeing contingency arrangements.” |
