Mayo TD and council cathaoirleach join striking ambulance workers on picket line

HSE ambulance personnel are staging a second day of strike action at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Castlebar.

They have been joined by Mayo TD Lisa Chambers, who pledged her full support to fighting their cause.

The cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Blackie Gavin, also stood on the picket line for a period of time in a show of solidarity

At the heart of their dispute is the refusal of the HSE to give their trade union, NASRA, and its 600 members negotiating rights.

Bertie Dowling, spokesman for the Mayo workers, said they were disappointed nothing had happened to address their issues since their previous day of industrial action on January 22 last.

“We don't want to be here but have been left with no choice. One of our members left the picket line in order respond to an emergency today. That's the approach to care we are taking. 

“But we appeal again to the HSE to sit down and resolve this issue once and for all. We don't want to be out here again in two weeks time. We hope there is a full resolution before then.”

The other planned dates for strike action are February 28 and March 1.

Mr. Dowling said they continued to receive the support of encouragemet of members of the public.

“We are very thankful to the public for their understanding,” he added.

The pickets will remain in place at the Sacred Heart Hospital until 5 p.m. today with provision in place to deal with emergency situations.

The HSE has stated that they already recognise a number of unions representing ambulance workers, and it believes recognising further organisations will not be good for good industrial relations.