Ambulance staff strikes: GMB announce new set of strike dates

More than 3,000 Midlands Ambulance workers across Worcestershire will be taking part in the new set of strikes due to disputes over pay.

Union members are asking the government to increase their wages to help them keep in line with inflation.

And ambulance workers say they have been left feeling 'angry' over their working conditions over the past few years.

READ MORE: Ambulance Strikers in Worcestershire wave flags at picket line

Ambulance striking in Worcestershire

Paramedics, emergency care assistants, call handlers and other staff will walk out on set dates in the hopes that their demands will be met. 

East Midlands Ambulance Service: February 6 and 20,  March 6 and 20

West Midlands Ambulance Service: January 23. 

Rachel Harrison, who is the national secretary for GMB, said: "GMB’s ambulance workers are angry.

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In their own words, ‘they are done’. 

A new set of ambulance strike dates have been announced (Image: NQ)

"Our message to the government is clear - talk pay now.  

“Ministers have made things worse by demonising the ambulance workers who provided life and limb cover on strike days - playing political games with their scaremongering.

“The only way to solve this dispute is a proper pay offer.

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“But it seems the cold, dead hands of the Number 10 and 11 Downing Street are stopping this from happening. 

“In the face of government inaction, we are left with no choice but industrial action.  

“GMB ambulance workers are determined, they’re not going to back down.  

“It’s up to this government to get serious on pay. We are waiting."

Richard Malin, 55 and Declan Downes,44 were taking part in the strike on December 21 2022 (Image: NQ)

Previously ambulance workers have formed a picket line outside Bromsgrove Ambulance Hub in Lickey End. 

And drivers on the busy road showed their support by honking the horn as they went past.

Despite the strike, paramedics, who were on the picket line, were still going to category one and two calls. 

West Midlands Ambulance Service said the most-life threatening calls, including those for cardiac arrest, will not be affected amid industrial action.

Declan Downes, aged 44, who works as a regional organiser for GMS, was at the picket line and said: "The NHS and ambulance workers are being decimated or set up to fail."

Previously the strikes have taken place on December 21 and January 11.