National Ambulance Service workers have voted to accept a Labour Court recommendation that will deliver pay increases of up to 23 per cent, bringing an end to an industrial dispute that led to a 24-hour strike in May and threatened further industrial action.
Emergency medical technicians, paramedics and supervisors who are members of Unite and SIPTU overwhelmingly backed the deal, which provides significant improvements in pay depending on length of service.
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 caused by the protracted failure of NAS bosses to deliver the pay recommendations of the McHugh/Crabtree report of 2020. As a result ambulance workers’ pay did not reflect upskilling, changed responsibilities and increased workload. Both unions recommended their members accept the Labour Court recommendation.
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.”
