East of England ambulance workers vote to strike as industrial action spreads across country
East of England only ambulance trust not to have been on strike, that will now change says GMB Union.
Almost 1,000 GMB Union members who work at East of England Ambulance Trust have voted to strike across the East of England.
Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, call handlers and other staff are now set to walk out in the region.
EEAS is the only ambulance service not to have been on strike so far during this dispute – that will now change after GMB members voted by an 86 per cent majority for industrial action.
Workers across the ambulance service voted to strike over the Government’s imposed 4 per cent pay award and are furious over the Government’s apparent attempts to ‘smear’ them over life and limb cover on strike days.
Ashley Foster, GMB East of England Organiser, said:
"Our members in the East of England Ambulance Trust were hit hard by the pandemic – they've consistently put the public before themselves, but they’ve had enough.
“This vote in favour of industrial action is a direct response to the disrespect this Government has shown them on pay. The pandemic plus the cost-of-living crisis means they have no choice.
“Wales and Scotland have received revised improved pay offers from their devolved Governments and we want Steve Barclay to come back to the table to offer our members something that will ease this cost-of-living crisis and help retain highly skilled staff leaving the service with burnout.
“Life and limb cover will be negotiated with the Union and EEAS Trust management and strike days will be decided with the ambulance rep committee over the coming days.
“East of England was the only ambulance trust in the country not to have been on strike – that will now change.
“Ministers in England don't seem to want to listen, leaving NHS workers and the English public being treated like second class citizens.
"It's simple - talk pay now and make a decent offer for this year. Our members and the public are waiting."
Contact: Ashley Foster, GMB East of England Organiser 079 7425 0946, Lola MacEvoy, GMB Organiser 079 6744 0297
