Union announces more than 10,000 ambulance workers are to strike as Downing Street seem to be stopping a pay deal

The cold, dead hands of the Number 10 and 11 Downing Street seem to be stopping pay deal, warns GMB Union, as more than 10,000 Ambulance workers will stage four more national strike days, the union announced today.

Paramedics, Emergency Care Assistants, call handlers and other staff are now set to walk out on 6 February, 20 February, 6 March and 20 March.

In addition, workers at West Midlands ambulance service will strike on January 23, with GMB members at North West Ambulance Service will strike on January 24.

Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said, “GMB’s ambulance workers are angry. In their own words ‘they are done’.

“Our message to the Government is clear – talk pay now.

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“Ministers have made things worse by demonising the ambulance workers who provided life and limb cover on strike days – playing political games with their scaremongering.

“The only way to solve this dispute is a proper pay offer.

“But it seems the cold, dead hands of the Number 10 and 11 Downing Street are stopping this from happening.

“In the face of government inaction, we are left with no choice but industrial action.

“GMB ambulance workers are determined, they’re not going to back down.

“It’s up for this Government to get serious on pay. We are waiting.”

She added, “The government has gone from clapping NHS workers during the pandemic, to ignoring them, insulting them, and now threatening them with the sack if they fight for decent pay.

“Ministers are paying the price for this in the growing anger among NHS workers and, as a result, growing support for strike action.

“A responsible government would get around the table for real talks with the unions and get the current crisis sorted with a wage deal that matches workers’ expectations.

“Their continued failure to do so will only result in more and more strikes.”

The following trusts will be affected:

South West Ambulance Service

South East Coast Ambulance Service

North West Ambulance Service

South Central Ambulance Service

North East Ambulance Service

East Midlands Ambulance Service

Welsh Ambulance Service

Yorkshire Ambulance Service