SIPTU, Unite Recommend Acceptance of Labour Court Proposals to Resolve Ambulance Pay Dispute

SIPTU and Unite are set to recommend that their members accept Labour Court proposals designed to resolve a pay dispute within the National Ambulance Service.

The Labour Court's recommendations include salary increases for emergency medical technicians, paramedics, specialist paramedics, and paramedic supervisors. Both unions have indicated that the terms and conditions of ambulance workers will also largely be protected.

John McCamley, SIPTU Ambulance Sector Organiser, stated, «This recommendation represents the culmination of a long process which now recognises the upskilling, changes and workload undertaken by union members over the last 15 to 20 years.» Eoin Drummey, Unite regional officer, added that the proposals offer a pathway toward resolving the protracted dispute, ensuring that pay accurately reflects ambulance workers' skills and expertise while largely safeguarding members' terms and conditions. The Labour Court proposals will now proceed to a ballot of members.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) expressed gratitude to the Labour Court for its assistance and welcomed the recommendations. A HSE spokesperson affirmed that the organization will collaborate constructively with all parties to advance these matters through established industrial relations processes. Last month, a 24-hour strike by frontline ambulance workers occurred, which the HSE reported had a «significant impact» on services. Subsequent planned strikes were suspended to facilitate discussions at the Labour Court. SIPTU and Unite had previously accused the HSE of failing to implement the recommendations of an independent report concerning the updating of staff salary scales to reflect evolving responsibilities and workload.