They are quite literally at breaking point
It goes against everything they were trained to do - to be on the frontline of the NHS saving lines. But ambulance staff have said "enough is enough" after they were offered a 4.5% pay rise amid soaring inflation and the cost of living crisis, with no end in sight.
"The other day Blackpool Victoria Hospital had 120 patients who could be discharged but had to stay in hospital because there was nowhere for them to go as they weren't able to go home." "This latest pay offer is the straw that broke the camel's back," Bob adds. "We have hundreds of vacancies that aren't being filled because there are better paid jobs working for health centres. The government needs to take action to improve patient care because this can't continue."
As for Bob and his colleagues, including those who are members of GMB and Unite, they're prepared to consider future industrial action, if an improved pay offer isn't forthcoming. "This is the last thing we want to be doing but enough is enough," he adds. Asked on BBC Breakfast whether his language in the Daily Telegraph was “ramping up this current atmosphere”, he said: “No, it reflects the very different action we’ve seen from these trade unions – the GMB, Unite and Unison – compared to what we saw from the Royal College of Nursing , where we agreed national exemptions in terms of what would be covered by the RCN, whereas the three unions striking today have refused to work with us on a national level.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Greater Manchester roads that are the most expensive in the north westGreater Manchester roads that top the table for the most expensive in the north west - plus UK's priciest streets
Read more »
'I'm a north west paramedic, this is why I'm going on strike today'''Every day I come to work and I see the consequences of this government's brutal attacks on the NHS'
Read more »
Military spotted in ambulances as paramedics go on strike in Greater ManchesterNorth West Ambulance Service confirmed 89 members of military personnel were supporting the trust across the north west
Read more »
Powerful 6.4-magnitude earthquake rocks CaliforniaBREAKING: United States Geological Survey said a strong 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern California on Tuesday.
Read more »
Conservative MP fails to block five-day Commons suspensionNorth West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen was handed the sanction after breaching lobbying rules.
Read more »