There are fears that ambulance services in the North West could be hit by an industrial dispute next Monday.
It’s as a result of a row between SIPTU members in the ambulance sector and the National Ambulance Service over implementation of a number of measures, including rostering.
A work stoppage in the ambulance service is now planned for Monday next from 8am in the morning until midday.
In answer to queries from Ocean FM News this morning, SIPTU confirmed a four-hour work stoppage is planned for Monday next across the North West, starting at 8am.
However, contingency arrangements and emergency cover will be agreed and provided.
Ciaran Sheridan, chief shop steward and president of the SIPTU National Ambulance Service Sector, says the dispute is in relation to what he described as ‘unilateral implementation’ of what the Ambulance Service and the HSE insist are ‘interim measures.’
SIPTU ambulance service workers say these measures have had a negative impact on their terms and conditions.
Mr Sheridan also says there has been a breach of the Public Service Agreement, and the implementation of the measures is outside agreed processes and recognised ways of resolving disputes.
If Monday’s work stoppage does go ahead, it will affect services throughout the North West, including Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and West Cavan.
