Paramedics threaten strike over union row
PARAMEDICS could take industrial action after Yorkshire Ambulance Service announced it is no longer recognising the Unite union.
Workers have been left stunned by the trust's decision, which removes the right of union officials to represent their members during discussions over proposed changes.
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CUTBACKS: Yorkshire Ambulance Service is no longer recognising Unite.
The service recently unveiled new plans for the way it operates its A&E workforce but unions claim the trust has made the moves to save £46m over the next five years.
Unite regional officer Terry Cunliffe said: "We are being no longer recognised as the employee representative during negotiations.
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"This has come right out of the blue. I'd heard some rumours but I didn't believe them.
"I have been involved in the ambulance service for 20 years and have never known anything like this.
"We consider this to be a deliberate act to silence members from raising legitimate concerns."
The changes proposed by the trust include building up its current clinical support workers by introducing a new role known as emergency care assistants to work alongside paramedics in ambulances.
But Unite says these roles are given to people with less training than paramedics and they would be unable to cope with larger emergencies such as a multiple car crash or house fires.
Mr Cunliffe said: "We are now seeking legal advice and believe this is a breach of the agreements in place. We are considering industrial action to maintain our right to raise issues of patient care and safety.
"We intend to hold those who have made this decision to account.
"We will soon be preparing to ballot members on industrial action.
"We are a campaigning union and will not let this go. I have also spoken to Unison who will vigorously campaign on our behalf."
The trust has confirmed it will cease to voluntarily recognise Unite the Union for the purposes of collective bargaining but will continue to work with Unison.
Chief executive David Whiting said: "We carefully reflected upon this difficult matter before advising Unite of our decision to de-recognise them.
"Unfortunately, the working relationship with Unite remains disappointing and we've not received a constructive contribution to the difficult decisions we've been required to make for the future."
2 Comments
by EducatedSage
Thursday, February 07 2013, 6:03PM
“Chief executive David Whiting said: "We carefully reflected upon this difficult matter before advising Unite of our decision to de-recognise them.
"Unfortunately, the working relationship with Unite remains disappointing and we've not received a constructive contribution to the difficult decisions we've been required to make for the future."
As a member of a union for over forty years, I was always under the impression that the role of a trade union was that of securing and defending the terms and conditions under which its members were employed.
Managers are expected to
(a) have the necessary skills to manage effectively
(b) be self-reliant and not depend upon the unions to help out during difficult times”
by KiminHull
Thursday, February 07 2013, 12:34PM
“Typical bullying management technique. Deny the Unions then start stripping away terms and conditions of the staff. Disgraceful.”