Ambulance staff in the South West are getting ready to take industrial action tomorrow (Wednesday, 11th January) over pay and staffing.

The strikes, which will take place in five areas of England (London, Yorkshire, North West, North East and South West) are set to run over 24 hours from midnight, says UNISON, and will involve all ambulance employees.

Head of Health, Sara Gorton from UNISON, one of three unions to strike, spoke out: 'Our industrial action could have been avoided entirely if the government had opened up pay negotiations with us, and other health unions, months ago... their continued refusal had led us to our first round of industrial action in December.'

Sara said because of the government's 'lack of clarity or concrete proposals', the strike tomorrow is still on and she will 'be out on the picket lines to show striking health workers that UNISON is 100% behind them.'

Further plans for ambulance worker strikes are Monday, 23rd January.

What do you think about the strikes?

Responding to the anti-strike bill being introduced to Parliament today, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “This is an attack on human rights and civil liberties which we will oppose in the courts, Parliament and the workplace.

“One of the most important things in any democratic society is to have free trade unions.

“This law could make effective strike action illegal, and workers may be sacked for exercising their right to withdraw their labour.

“The only reason this draconian legislation is being introduced is because the government have lost the argument and want to punish workers for having the temerity to demand decent pay and working conditions.

“The government’s own impact assessment of minimum service levels shows it wouldn’t work. They would be better off coming to a negotiated settlement with unions through dialogue.”