Ambulance workers announce fresh walkouts as dispute over pay, staffing intensifies; Check list of 10 upcoming strikes here

The Unite union announced a series of fresh walkouts by ambulance workers after the dispute over pay and staffing gets escalated. The strikes would affect the North West, North East, East Midlands, West Midlands, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Ten further strikes will be staged by the union's members over the coming weeks, warning that additional dates could be announced soon.

New dates for the upcoming strikes:

• 6, 17 February, and 6, 20 March in West Midlands.
• 6, 20 February and 6, 20 March in North East.
• 6, 20 February and 6, 20 March East in Midlands

• 6, 20 February and 6, 20 March in Wales.
• 6, 22 February and 6, 20 March in North West.
• 26 January and 16, 17, 23, and 24 February in Northern Ireland.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary said rather than protecting the NHS and negotiating to end the dispute, the government has opted to demonise ambulance workers.

He further stated that the government's disastrous handling of the NHS has brought them to a breaking point, and the Prime Minister is disgracefully walking away from the dispute.

Unite said the members will be working to agree on derogations to make sure emergency life and limb cover stays in place during the walkout.


Also, lifesaving treatment for patients, such as renal care and cancer treatment needs to be e transported to their appointments. Onay Kasab a Unite official said it is in the government's hands to end the dispute if they agree to proper negotiations about the current pay dispute.

One-time payments or slightly increased pay awards are simply not good enough to resolve this dispute.

Royal College of Nursing members and ambulance workers will be striking on February 6 and GMB on February 20 as well as 6 and March 20.

FAQs:

1. Who has announced further strikes in UK?
   The Unite union announced strikes by ambulance workers.
2. Why are the workers striking in the UK?
   They are striking over better pay and living conditions.