East of England ambulance workers to strike over pay dispute

Paramedics, emergency technicians, call handlers and other staff are set to walk out across the region after GMB Union members voted to join the industrial action.

The GMB said the ambulance service is the only one not to have been on strike so far during the dispute.

East of England ambulance workers have voted to strike for the first time amid an ongoing dispute (Image: East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust)

The union said its members are determined to campaign for better pay and are furious over the government’s “apparent attempts to smear” them over life and limb cover on strike days.

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

GMB organiser Lola McEvoy 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 and seen walkouts 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.”

GMB Union members in the region have voted to strike for the first time during this dispute (Image: Newsquest)

Ambulance workers across large parts of England and Wales have taken strike action in recent weeks and another walkout is planned on Friday by members of Unison.

Physiotherapists in England are also on strike on Thursday.

The move follows a growing number of workers from different sectors who have taken part in industrial action.

On Wednesday last week, thousands of teachers across East Anglia took part in demonstrations over pay, working conditions and staff resources.

Disruption has also continued on the railways amid an ongoing dispute with railway workers' unions.