Keighley ambulance staff could join colleagues across Yorkshire in a strike over new shift patterns.
Unite is balloting its 450 members at the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust for action over the changes, scheduled to be introduced next month.
The union – which has four members at Keighley Ambulance Station, in Hard Ings Road – says the proposals could see paramedics working long hours without sufficient meal breaks. Unite said it had not been consulted over the plans, which it claims will impact on patient safety and lead to an over-tired workforce.
Terry Cunliffe, Unite regional officer for Yorkshire, said: “These changes could affect members’ ability to do their jobs, helping people in distress. I think people will find this unacceptable.”
But David Whiting, chief executive of the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “We refute the latest misleading and factually incorrect claims being made around shift patterns.
“Staff welfare is a key priority for the trust and whilst we have to ensure our staff are available to respond to emergencies, we balance this with adequate rest breaks.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here