Strike averted at National Ambulance Service

Siptu has cancelled a planned strike by the National Ambulance Service (NAS) after receiving what it described as a commitment to "substantial" new funding arrangements.

On Friday night the union said Wednesday’s planned “all out” action had been called off on foot of a number of concessions regarding the service.

It followed talks at the Workplace Relations Commission.

"The commitments secured this evening contain concrete guarantees on staffing levels, compensation for loss of earnings and the establishment of a working group to deal with other issues relating to the NAS," said Siptu organiser Paul Bell.

Additional staff

Commitments for the recruitment of 150 additional emergency technicians in the Intermediate Care Service over a two-year period as well as 461 paramedics on a phased basis over five years were included in the agreement, he said.

“Other issues resolved include securing compensation for loss of earnings for our members under the terms of the public service agreement. This is to be paid at the next available payroll.”