West Midlands Ambulance workers back on strike
Almost 1,000 are walking out today.
Last updated 17th Feb 2023
The GMB Union says West Midlands ambulance workers ‘won’t be fobbed off’ as almost 1,000 walk out today (17th February).
Paramedics, Emergency Care Assistants, call handlers and other staff across the region will strike for 26 hours from 06:00 to 0800 tomorrow (18th February).
Stuart Richards, GMB Senior Organiser, said:
“West Midlands ambulance workers are on strike over this years' pay.
“But Ministers seem to think GMB members will be fobbed off by pretending this year's cost of living crisis hasn't happened. They are wrong.
"The Government could easily get these strikes suspended, so why are they leaving NHS workers and the public suffer?
"It's simple - talk pay now and make a decent offer for this year. Our members and the public are waiting."
The government has said that whilst they sympathise with health workers, the pay demands being made by unions is simply unaffordable
It follows the announcement that nurses will be going on strike once again next month.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:
"Failure to provide cover during strike action for key services like cancer care is a significant escalation from the Royal College of Nursing that will risk patient safety.
"We are working closely with NHS England on contingency plans, but this action will inevitably cause further disruption for patients.
"I've had a series of discussions with unions, including the RCN, about what is fair and affordable for the coming year, as well as wider concerns around conditions and workload."
West Midlands Ambulance says they won't have the same level of resources available today, so are urging the public to only ring 999 if it's a life threatening emergency.