HSE and NAS Unions Meet Labour Court Amid Pay Dispute, Strikes Planned
The HSE and NAS unions (Siptu, Unite) are in Labour Court talks over a pay and conditions dispute, following a 24-hour strike. Unions cite expanded roles and an unfulfilled 5% pay increase. Further strikes are scheduled, but contingency plans are in place for emergencies.
The HSE and unions representing National Ambulance Service (NAS) workers, Siptu and Unite, are meeting with the Labour Court to resolve a pay and conditions dispute. This follows a 24-hour work stoppage earlier this week, with further action planned for May 19 and 26, and potentially June.
The unions state that the qualifications and responsibilities of EMTs, paramedics, and supervisors have significantly expanded, but a previously recommended 5% pay increase has not been implemented. Siptu organiser John McCamley emphasized that members seek a sign of seriousness from the HSE and want the HSE to drop preconditions on its pay proposal, which critics say could reduce trained paramedics and decrease some pay due to overtime changes. McCamley suggested implementing recommendations from a previous independent report as an "easy solution."
Tánaiste Simon Harris expressed gratitude to both sides and the Labour Court for intervening, stressing the critical, life-and-death nature of ambulance services and the need for a swift resolution. Union members have agreed to contingency plans with the HSE to respond to life-threatening calls during strikes.