Ambulance crews take industrial action over pay dispute

Between 7am and 11am today, West Midlands Ambulance Service staff who are members of Unison, Unite or GMB have the right to take part in industrial action, including strike action. They join nurses, midwives and other health workers.

The move follows a ballot where members of the three unions voted to take industrial action as a result of the government’s decision to not apply a 1% pay award in full to all NHS staff in accordance with the national public sector pay review body’s recommendations.

Industrial action, short of strike action, will continue for the rest of the week.

Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Gough said: “We won’t know until Monday morning how many staff will decide to take industrial action but we do know there will be some reduction in ambulance provision.

“We have agreed with unions a way for staff to be able to show their strength of feeling over the issue while still preserving an ambulance service for the most seriously ill and injured.

“The public has an important part to play in this and we ask you not to call 999 unless it is a real, genuine, life-threatening emergency.”

Update: The boss of West Midlands Ambulance Service is thanking staff for their efforts during this morning’s industrial action.

Anthony Marsh said: “I would like to thank you for maintaining a safe service for patients while demonstrating your views. Our staff work extremely hard in often very difficult circumstances and we have sympathy for their position.

“We appreciate taking strike action is a very difficult decision, however, by working to a list of exemptions, we have been able to provide a good service for the most seriously ill and injured patients.

“Action short of a strike will continue throughout the week and we would urge the public to only use the 999 service if it is absolutely necessary. Please consider dialling 111 in the first instance or use other services such as your GP, a pharmacy or a walk-in centre.”