Yorkshire Ambulance to strike just DAYS before Christmas

The GMB Union has announced staff will walkout on the 21st and 28th December

Author: Liam Arrowsmith

A union has announced staff at Yorkshire Ambulance will go on strike just days before Christmas.

The GMB said paramedics, emergency care assistants, call handlers and other staff will be among those walking out on the 21st and 28th December.

It follows a row over pay, jobs and conditions, after NHS trusts voted against the Government's offer of a 4% payrise.

GMB representatives will now meet with individual trusts to discuss requirements for life-and-limb cover.

Rachel Harrison, GMB national secretary, said: "After 12 years of Conservative cuts to the service and their pay packets, NHS staff have had enough.

"The last thing they want to do is take strike action but the Government has left them with no choice.

"Health Secretary Steve Barclay needs to listen and engage with us about pay. If he can't talk to us about this most basic workforce issue, what on Earth is he Health Secretary for?

"The Government could stop this strike in a heartbeat - but they need to wake up and start negotiating on pay."

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