Workers will consider a “wide range” of options before considering the “nuclear bomb” - a strike.  

SIPTU members in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) have agreed to industrial action in a dispute over the implementation of a series of reforms. 

Members voted 95% in favour of taking industrial action.  

Sector Organiser of the SIPTU Health Division Ted Kenny told members on Friday that “the result of the ballot was always going to be inevitable, given the high level of frustration of our members”. 

SIPTU informed the NAS they would take industrial action unless the findings of a report commissioned by SIPTU, the HSE and ambulance workers were implemented. 

Ambulance workers are “fed up” with the delay in sector reforms, including recognition of paramedics as a profession, level-eight qualifications for all new paramedics, and the introduction of graded pay scales. 

Mr Kenny said they would give the National Ambulance Service 21 days notice before taking action.  

"Nuclear bomb"

Ambulance workers will meet this week to discuss what form of protest they will take.  

Mr Kenny said there would be a “wide range” of options considered, including work-to-rule and a ban on overtime.  

“The ultimate would be they decide to pull the nuclear bomb and go out on strike,” he said.  

“It wouldn’t be an all-out strike because we would be providing emergency cover.” 

In a statement released by the HSE, they said that the NAS wanted to reassure the public that “every effort will be made to mitigate any risk to them arising from any action”. 

"We will continue to work to advance the professionalisation agenda within the NAS that also seeks to recognise the important work carried out by NAS staff throughout the past number of years."