Union calls off ambulance worker strike next week after ‘wonderful’ backing from public
A second day of ambulance strikes that was to have taken place next Wednesday has been called off after "amazing" public support for industrial action this week.
The GMB union says its members won't be striking to "allow people to enjoy Christmas".
But it has announced a further day of strike action on January 11.
GMB national secretary Rachel Harrison said: "The incredible British public are why we are suspending our action over the Christmas period.
"But it also means the Government can now do what ambulance workers and the public want - get round the table and talk pay now. We are here 24/7. Any time, any place.
"Over to you, (Health Secretary) Steve Barclay. Everyone is waiting.”
In Shropshire this week a group of around 70 people held a torchlight vigil in Ludlow to show their support for ambulance workers, and striking staff manned picket lines at the ambulance hubs in Shrewsbury and Donnington, Telford, on Wednesday.
A GMB spokesman said: “The NHS is on its knees and the public are suffering every day because the Government has failed to properly resource and plan for our health service.
“Nowhere is this clearer than in the appalling delays experienced in getting an ambulance and then getting into A&E.
“Solving such problems starts with getting enough people to work in the NHS.
“Unless the Government starts to talk pay now, the problems will get worse with every passing day.”
Rachel Harrison added: “The workforce crisis in our NHS is so severe and our commitment to getting ambulance staff the proper pay they deserve is stronger than ever, so we are scheduling a further date for action on January 11, 2023.
