AMBULANCE workers could take industrial action over “dangerously long” working hours, it’s claimed.
The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) says it takes the issue “extremely seriously” and is working with staff.
But the Unite union has hit out at the “national scandal” of excess hours, claiming paramedics are being “exploited”.
It says one member worked 36 hours on a single shift.
A consultative ballot will now take place to determine support for industrial action in the SAS north division, which includes the Grampian and Highlands and Islands regions.
Tommy Campbell of the Unite regional office said: “It is a national scandal that some workers in the area covered by Highland and Islands and Grampian have worked up to 36 hours. This is unfortunately not an unusual incident and there are many other examples of paramedics working dangerously long hours.
“Unite members in their determination to serve the public have had their goodwill and dedication exploited. For this reason, Unite will now move to a consultative ballot on industrial action which we hope focuses the minds of the Scottish Ambulance Service management.”
A survey of ambulance workers by Unite last year found more than half said they were suffering from stress, with more than 90% complaining of fatigue. Around the same level said staffing levels were insufficient and “excessive vacancies” are blamed for pressing staff into overtime.
Labour’s Anas Sarwar said: “Our ambulance staff perform lifesaving work every day, but are under pressure like never before.
“A swift response time can make all the difference, but the SNP government simply has not given the ambulance service the support it needs.”
Vowing to work with the union, the SAS said: “We are keen to listen to and respond to any concerns raised by our staff or their representatives.
“We have long-standing arrangements in place to ensure we put patients at the heart of our decision making, whilst balancing the needs and wellbeing of our staff, who do a fantastic job day in, day out caring for patients.
“We take this issue extremely seriously, which is why we are continuing to meet with staff and work closely with them to help resolve any issues raised.”
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