North East Ambulance Service face strike vote
It's as GMB launch industrial action ballots
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) face a strike vote as the GMB Union launches two formal industrial action ballots.
Ambulance workers are angry over the Government’s imposed 4 per cent pay award, which leaves them facing a pay cut in line with the cost of living.
The move will see hundreds of paramedics and ambulance workers balloted for strike action across the North East Ambulance Services.
It comes after consultative ballots in both ambulance services showed a strong desire for industrial action.
At the NEAS, the GMB Union said almost 90 per cent were in favour of industrial action.
Stuart Richards, GMB Senior Organiser, said:
“Ambulance workers should be out on the streets trying to save lives – instead they’re worrying about feeding their own families. It’s a national disgrace.
“The Conservatives have been in power for more than 12 years and during that time our ambulance services have crumbled.
“We now face the first ambulance strike in 40 years and it’s a damning indictment of their leadership
“GMB Union will stand shoulder to shoulder with our members and fight for the above inflation pay rise that our NHS workers deserve.”
The NEAS say if industrial action is taken then "they'll work with trade union colleagues to keep critical services running".