Paramedics' support from Shadow Health Secretary

Jon Ashworth said he ‘fully backed’ the GMB's calls

Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth has backed GMB paramedics in their ongoing dispute with North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).

Meeting the GMB members at Labour Conference in Liverpool, Mr Ashworth said he ‘fully backed’ their calls.

GMB delegate Jo Pickford also supported the NWAS paramedics from the podium today [Wednesday].

North West Paramedics have held a series of strikes in recent weeks in protest after waiting patiently for the outcome of job re-evaluation going back more than 12 years.

However, strike action has now been suspended after exploratory discussions took place between GMB negotiators end employer representatives with the assistance of ACAS.  

Further meetings have taken place and both sides recognise that progress has been made.  

Mike Buoey, GMB Organiser, said: “It’s fantastic to have the shadow health secretary’s support in our long-running dispute with NWAS.

“GMB’s hard-working North West paramedics have simply had enough.

“Our members have been astoundingly patient in waiting for their job to be re-evaluated for the years between 2005 to 2016.

“However, we feel we are finally making progress, which is why we have suspended further strike action.

“Hopefully with Mr Ashworth’s backing we can reach an agreement acceptable to all parties.”

Mr Ashworth said: “It was a pleasure to meet the committed paramedics and ambulance workers from NWAMB today, but I wish it was under happier circumstances. 

“Hearing how hard and long they’ve fought for a simple job evaluation from NWAMB while doing their vital, life-saving work it would be difficult for anyone to justify why they have been made to wait so long.

“I fully back their calls for an investigation and to finally get the job evaluation they deserve.”

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