Ambulance unions approached for pay talks after GMB tightens derogations

The government has “finally” approached ambulance worker unions for pay talks, less than 24hrs after GMB announced tighter derogations.

However GMB has expressed concerns over some preconditions to talks, and has requested more clarity

More than 13,000 ambulance workers are expected to walk out in an ongoing dispute about pay on March 6 and 8.

It has been 92 days since the Government were informed of GMB’s strike mandate in the ambulance service.

Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said:

“The government has finally realised what we’ve been saying all along – they need to talk pay now.

“And it is no surprise that this has come less than 24 hours after GMB ambulance workers announced tighter derogations.

"However the Government has set some concerning preconditions and we need more clarity from them.

"Vague promises will not cut it - ambulance workers need to know that they are going to be spoken to seriously about pay."