Ambulance rest breaks dispute: Farcical situation has dragged on for long enough

Ambulance workers in the GMB union have voted to reject a deal proposed by management to try to resolve the ongoing dispute over rest breaks.

Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, said:

"This farcical situation has dragged on for long enough now. Alex Salmond and his SNP Ministers have been hoping that if they shut their eyes and pretend it isn't happening, it will all go away. It won't.

"I have previously called on Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon to take personal responsibility for this issue, get involved and knock heads together. I repeat that call again today. If it does prove impossible to find a national solution then at the very least it is vital we have an agreement for protocol in rural areas. These are the areas most affected by the issue, as the tragedies in Tomintoul and Crieff demonstrate all too vividly.

"We all applaud the tireless and dedicated work of our emergency services and, of course, it is vital that staff are well rested and alert on the job. However, serious injury, critical illness and imminent death do not wait for tea breaks. This damaging dispute has been running for too long now and it is time to put an end to it."

Back to all posts