East of England ambulance workers to go on strike
They're the only trust in the country to not walk out so far
Last updated 9th Feb 2023
Almost one-thousand ambulance workers have voted to go on strike across the East of England - the only trust in the country to so far, not walk out.
Paramedics, call handlers and other staff who are members of the GMB union have voted to join the industrial action, in a row over pay.
Representatives will meet to discuss dates in the next few days.
The union said its members are determined to campaign for better pay and are furious over the Government's "apparent attempts to smear" them over life and limb cover on strike days.
GMB officials will now meet in the coming days to discuss potential strike dates.
GMB organiser Lola McEvoy said: "East of England was the only ambulance trust in the country not to have been on strike - that will now change.
"As industrial action spreads to all corners of England, the Scottish and Welsh Governments have begun constructive talks with the GMB and seen walkouts suspended.
"Ministers in England don't seem to want to listen, leaving NHS workers and the English public being treated like second-class citizens.
"It's simple - talk pay now and make a decent offer for this year. Our members and the public are waiting."
An East of England Ambulance Service Trust spokesperson said: “We are aware that members of the GMB union have voted in favour in industrial action over the national issue of pay.
"We understand the strength of feeling behind the concerns colleagues have around this issue and we are committed to working with our unions to improve working lives at our service.”
Ambulance workers across large parts of England and Wales have taken strike action in recent weeks and another walkout is planned on Friday by members of Unison.