UNIONS REPRESENTING AMBULANCE workers have recommended members accept new Labour Court proposals on pay, in what’s described as a major breakthrough in their long-running dispute with the National Ambulance Service (NAS).

It follows a 24-hour strike by the force last month over the service’s failure to implement the recommendations of a previous independent report.

The strike was paused to allow for talks at the Labour Court.

The court today recommended significant pay increases for paramedics, specialist paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and paramedic supervisors.

It also protects the majority of the existing terms and conditions of ambulance personnel, according to trade unions Siptu and Unite.

The recommendations are similar to that of the McHugh/Crabtree report, which said pay scales should be updated to reflect changes in their responsibilities and workloads in recent years.

Today’s development is “vindication” for ambulance workers, said Siptu Ambulance Sector Organiser John McCamley.

“This recommendation represents the culmination of a long process which now recognises the upskilling, changes and workload undertaken by union members over the last 15 to 20 years,” he said.

Meanwhile, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the Labour Court’s proposals show “what can be achieved through collective action and strong union organisation”.

The Labour Court proposals will now go to a ballot of union members.

The Irish Ambulance Representative Council, comprising members of Siptu and Unite, is recommending acceptance of the proposals.