Around 2,000 workers in Ireland’s National Ambulance Service have begun a 24-hour strike amid an ongoing dispute over pay, prompting warnings of significant disruption to emergency response services across the country.
Members of SIPTU and Unite placed pickets at ambulance stations nationwide from 8am, marking the first stage of a wider programme of industrial action. The Department of Health described the move as “regrettable,” while urging both sides to return to talks.
The strike follows a breakdown in negotiations over salary structures for emergency medical technicians, paramedics, advanced paramedics, specialist paramedics and supervisors. Unions argue that the Health Service Executive has failed to implement recommendations from an independent review on pay scales, which they say should reflect increased workload and responsibilities.
SIPTU Ambulance Sector Organiser John McCamley said members had been left with no alternative after years of unresolved engagement. He said there was “overwhelming” support for action among workers, reflecting frustration over what they describe as a lack of recognition for their role in modernising emergency care over the past two decades.
Unite regional officer Eoin Drummey said staff would prefer to remain on the frontline but had been pushed into industrial action. He added that the dispute could be resolved if recommendations from a 2020 review were implemented without additional conditions.
The Health Service Executive warned that the strike would lead to major disruption, particularly for non-life-threatening calls. However, it said contingency measures are in place to prioritise life-threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, respiratory failure and serious trauma cases.
The 999 emergency line remains fully operational, but the public has been urged to consider alternative care options, including GPs, pharmacies, injury units and mental health supports. Clinical Director Professor Cathal O’Donnell said it will be a “very challenging day” for services and advised some patients may reach hospital faster by arranging their own transport.
The dispute centres on proposals that include pay increases of between 3% and 14%, in addition to a 9.25% rise under a broader public service agreement. These increases were linked by the HSE to wider reforms in training, deployment and service delivery.
A HSE spokesperson said independently brokered proposals, supported by the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court, had been accepted by the government and the health service earlier this year. However, unions later rejected the proposals, citing conditions they said were unacceptable.
The Department of Health said resolving the issue requires continued dialogue and urged unions to re-engage with existing industrial relations mechanisms.
Further strike action has already been scheduled, including 48-hour and 72-hour stoppages later this month, raising concerns over prolonged disruption to emergency medical services if the dispute remains unresolved.
