Strike action on the cards for ambulance workers
AMBULANCE workers could take strike action over a dispute with their bosses.
Unite the Union members say the action will be over patient safety and Yorkshire Ambulance Service's decision last week to "de-recognise" the organisation.
Unite says managers are trying to silence them from raising patient safety concerns.
Today (Monday) Unite said it was beginning the legal process to ballot its 450 paramedics and other ambulance staff members at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust for strike action or industrial action short of a strike.
DO YOU KNOW ANYONE SELLING A HOUSE? YOU COULD EARN £350 FOR TEN...
View details
YES! You could earn £350+ cash for your leads - Call us or view our video explaining how you can make ££s for 10 mins. work.
See Cash4YourProperty Leads on our website:
www.westfieldhomebuyers.co.uk
Contact: 01482 423525
Valid until: Wednesday, July 31 2013
The ballot result could be known by the end of the month.
Unite regional officer Terry Cunliffe said: "I can confirm that Unite has begun the legal process to hold an industrial action ballot over the trust's unilateral decision to re-recognise Unite.
"The management is trying to silence Unite after it raised legitimate concerns over patient safety that could flow from the shake-up of ambulance services in the next five years.
"The trust's behaviour is mind-boggling, given last week's Francis report, which placed great emphasis on whistleblowing and 'a duty of candour'.
"Whatever the outcome of the ballot, our members will always put patient safety first."
The Mail has contacted Yorkshire Ambulance Service for a comment on Unite's announcement. More details on this story will be available in tomorrow's Mail.
6 Comments
by Allan87
Tuesday, February 12 2013, 1:00AM
“It begs belief that some on here are so anti-union when they are trying to protect the general public from the bean-counting management. I am sorry col18 but there are some people out there that DO take pride in their jobs and are prepared to make a stand when they see fellow human beings put at risk. The Ambulance Management obviously want to take the pressure of the NHS PCT Managers by killing a few BEFORE they get to hospital.
If anyone out there simply believes that by slashing away at a service they can make it more efficient then they really are idiots. Could I suggest they identify themselves by carving a big 'I' for idiot on their foreheads so if they ever need an ambulance, the crews can put you out of OUR misery (humanely of course!)”
by Morev
Tuesday, February 12 2013, 12:08AM
“Col18 & SPBlakeney
Why don't you take the matter up directly with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service seeing as they are the ones who refuse to negotiate with Ambulance workers. How else are 450 Paramedics supposed to negotiate other than through a representative body, as 450 individuals? It is the de-recognition of the organisation who talks for them that is creating the problem. As usual a large Employer,Yorkshire Ambulance Service, have found a way of turning the Public against people who do not agree with the changes they wish to impose to the detriment of, and the subsequent risks to you, me, and our relatives and friends.”
by Paul_at_Hull
Monday, February 11 2013, 10:05PM
“Judging by the high death rates in the regions hospitals, patients may prefer to get the ambulance to take them home again.”
by SPBlakeney
Monday, February 11 2013, 8:17PM
“Union politicking should NEVER be allowed in life-threatening agencies. There are always alternatives to holding the NHS to ransom and stranding patients. If I ever learnt a family member was put at risk by someone on strike I'd be making my feelings on the matter very clear to comrades at the union ivory tower.”
by Col18
Monday, February 11 2013, 8:11PM
“The union is going to strike over 'patient safety' concerns, by withdrawing life-saving cover? Logic only a union member can fathom-if thats the only way they think they can solve their concerns, it'd be a good idea to remove them from healthcare arena. Any fatalities will be on their heads, not on any suit in an office. Utterly disgusting.”
by PatrickNewman
Monday, February 11 2013, 7:18PM
“It is a disgrace that a public body should behave in this way. Ambulance services all over the country are chipping away at their standards. As the hospitals centralise the ambulance service contracts based on that well groomed process of risk analysis - cuts to you and I”