East of England ambulance workers vote to strike as industrial action spreads across country

Almost 1,000 ambulance workers have voted to strike across the East of England.

Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, call handlers and other staff are now set to walk out in the region.

EEAS is the only ambulance service not to have been on strike so far during this dispute – that will now change after GMB members voted by an 86 per cent majority for industrial action.

Workers across the ambulance service voted to strike over the Government’s imposed 4 per cent pay award and are furious over the Government’s apparent attempts to ‘smear’ them over life and limb cover on strike days.

GMB will now meet with reps in the coming days to discuss potential strike dates.

Lola McEvoy, GMB Organiser, said: 

“East of England was the only ambulance trust in the country not to have been on strike – that will now change.

“As industrial action spreads to all corners of England, the Scottish and Welsh Governments have begun constructive talks with the GMB Union and seen walk outs suspended.

“Ministers in England don’t seem to want to listen, leaving NHS workers and the English public being treated like second class citizens.

“It’s simple – talk pay now and make a decent offer for this year. Our members and the public are waiting.”