Ambulance workers vote to accept new pay deal
Acceptance of Labour Court recommendation will see pay increases of up to 23 per cent for emergency medical technicians, paramedics and supervisors
National Ambulance Service (NAS) staff in Unite and SIPTU have voted to accept a substantial improvement to pay, thereby ending an industrial dispute which saw a strike by workers in May.
Emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and supervisors will see their pay increase by up to 23 per cent depending on length of service.
NAS workers voted overwhelmingly to accept the Labour Court pay recommendations and end the ongoing industrial dispute. The Labour Court’s involvement followed a 24-hour strike by NAS workers and the looming threat of an escalation in the dispute.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is a huge win for our members and a seismic shift in pay but it is six years overdue. It is a disgrace that it took strike action by ambulance workers to bring the NAS to the table.
“Once again this victory demonstrates that workers organising in a union and being prepared strike is the best way to secure real improvements on pay and basic respect from an employer.”
The dispute was sparked by a failure to deliver pay recommendations outlined in a 2020 independent review. As a result, unions argued that ambulance workers’ pay did not reflect upskilling, changed responsibilities and increased workload.
Unite regional officer Eoin Drummey said: “Our members have voted decisively in favour of this recommendation. This deal finally recognises the upskilling, changes and workload undertaken by ambulance workers over the last 15 to 20 years. It is a vindication of our members’ determination to seek pay justice and respect.”
