Ambulance Services Face Significant Impact from Siptu and Unite Industrial Action

Ambulance services in Ireland will be significantly impacted this week by industrial action from Siptu and Unite unions, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has warned. The public should still call 999 for emergencies like heart attacks or serious road accident injuries, but delays are expected for non-life-threatening calls.

Union members, including EMTs, paramedics, and supervisors, are implementing a work-to-rule today and a 24-hour stoppage tomorrow. This action stems from the HSE's failure to implement recommendations from a 2020 report on ambulance worker roles, which called for enhanced pay scales to reflect expanded qualifications and duties over the past two decades.

Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary, stated it is «scandalous» that frontline workers have waited six years for skill recognition. John McCamley, Siptu ambulance sector organiser, noted members had no option but to strike due to the long-running dispute.

The HSE regrets the action, stating it engaged intensively with unions via the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). Proposals, including 3-14% pay improvements on top of a 9.25% increase under the 2024-2026 Public Sector Pay Agreement, were recommended but rejected by members in September 2025. The HSE emphasizes the need for service transformation alongside pay increases. Further strikes are planned for May 19 (48 hours), May 26 (72 hours), and June if the dispute remains unresolved.