Ambulance crews vote on strike action (From Salisbury Journal)

Ambulance crews vote on strike action

5:38pm Tuesday 14th December 2010 in Headlines By Corey Ross

AMBULANCE crews in Wiltshire are being balloted today for a possible strike because of safety concerns.

A preliminary survey of UNISON members found 97 per cent did not have confidence in the changes being made by Great Western Ambulance Service, which include things like shift times and rest breaks.

In a statement GWAS said it was disappointed about the ballot. David Whiting, chief executive of GWAS, said: ““This dispute is predominantly about changes to work patterns, including shift start and finish times. Many staff have worked hard with us to find ways of making these adjustments and have made them. We have already seen benefits from these changes and I would like to personally recognise the efforts of our staff.

“The changes we are making are simply about ensuring we have the right number of staff and vehicles available when patients ring 999. These changes will benefit patients by saving more lives and benefit our staff by sharing workload and creating job security.”

They hope to resolve any outstanding concerns and are in talks with trade union representatives.