File photo of ambulances at Whitechapel hospital in London
(Picture: PA)London Ambulance Service workers will vote on whether to stage a walk-out over pay.
The GMB union said Monday it will launch a formal industrial ballot for its 1,500 paramedics and ambulance workers in anger over the Government’s pay award.
It said the 4 per cent offer would leave workers facing another “real terms pay cut”.
Lola McEvoy, GMB Organiser, said: “GMB members in the ambulance service have been forced to take a stand in order to protect patient care.
“Dedicated ambulance workers are leaving trusts in droves, because the workload pressure is too much and the pay is too poor.
“Those left behind are fighting to protect themselves, their colleagues and the future of the NHS.
“They do not take industrial action lightly and haven’t gone on strike for 40 years – but things can’t go on like this; something has to give.”
The union said 92 per cent of members voting in an consultative ballot indicated they would be in favour of a walk out.
Ballot dates are set to be announced in the coming days.
A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We are giving over 1 million NHS workers a pay rise of at least £1,400 this year, as recommended by the independent NHS Pay Review Body.
“Industrial action is a matter for unions, and we urge them to carefully consider the potential impacts on patients.”
GMB also announced formal strike ballots in Yorkshire, North East, West and East Midlands, North West and East of England Ambulance Services.
The potential industrial action comes after the Royal College of Nursing balloted its 300,000 members for strike action last week for the first time in its history over pay.
Speaking to the Standard, Amy Fancourt, a 29-year-old nurse working in A&E, said: “London is ultimately unaffordable.
“Many people my age are leaving the profession to go to the Middle East or Australia because you make a lot more money over there. We have a leaving party every week at work now – it’s become a joke.”
That ballot is set to end November 2. The London Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.
