The Chief Executive of Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) has said he will continue to talk to staff in an attempt to head off strike action by staff.
Yesterday, it emerged that staff are to be balloted over striking in a row over pay and conditions.
Unison said non-peak cover in areas such as Bristol, Gloucester, Bath and Trowbridge could be “slimmed down”. The union also claimed some ambulance workers could face pay cuts of up to £1,200-a-year.
Shane Clark, a Unison branch manager, said members were also angry about changes to rest breaks.
“It is not acceptable for crews to be forced to report for duty without adequate rest before shifts, nor for crews to be driving on blue lights for long shifts without rest breaks,” he said. “The employers must listen to our members’ concerns.”
Chief Executive of GWAS David Whiting aid he will continue to hold talks with unions in a bid to resolve their concerns.
“This dispute is predominantly about changes to work patterns, including shift start and finish times. Many staff have worked hard with us to find ways of making these adjustments and have made them. We have already seen benefits from these changes and I would like to personally recognise efforts of our staff.
“The changes we are making are simply about ensuring we have the right number of staff and vehicles available when patients ring 999. These changes will benefit patients by saving more lives and benefit our staff by sharing workload and creating job security.
“We will never stop engaging with our staff and stakeholders. We have initiated the current talks with trade union representatives with support from ACAS to try to resolve outstanding concerns.”