Emergency medical technicians and ambulance crews are to ballot for industrial action up to and including strikes after talks with HSE management broke down.
SIPTU is preparing to ballot members after officials met with HSE Ambulance Management on a range of ongoing issues yesterday.
The talks were described as “robust” by SIPTU, who say they were disappointed with the lack of progress.
Plans are now being drawn up to start a nationwide ballot for industrial action up to and including strike action.
SIPTU organisor Ted Kenny has told WLR's Déise Today that matters are very serious and it’s the first time such a ballot will have been undertaken in more than 6 years.
With timeframes for postal ballots and 21 days notice for any proposed action, he said it’ll be January before they know what members want to do next.
Mr Kenny said they remain open for talks.
