London Ambulance Service faces a strike vote as GMB Union launches a formal industrial action ballot. Ballot dates will be announced in the coming days.
The vote comes following a consultative ballot which saw almost 92 percent of LAS members who voted say they were in favor of a walkout.
Reason for strike
GMB has more than 1,500 LAS paramedics and ambulance workers who are angry over the Government’s imposed 4 percent pay award, which leaves them facing yet another massive real-term pay cut.
GMB has also announced a formal strike ballot in Yorkshire, North East, West and East Midlands, North West and East of England Ambulance Services.
Stand for patient care
Lola McEvoy, GMB Organizer, said “GMB members in the ambulance service have been forced to take a stand in order to protect patient care. Dedicated ambulance workers are leaving trusts in droves because the workload pressure is too much and the pay is too poor.”
She adds, “Those left behind are fighting to protect themselves, their colleagues, and the future of the NHS. They do not take industrial action lightly and it's always a last resort but things can’t go on like this; something has to give.”