MORE than 1,000 GMB Union members working for the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) – including frontline staff – could vote on strike action over a proposal that would change members’ working lives.

EEAST has proposed bringing in team-based working, which would involve redesigning rotas and potentially eradicating long-term working relationships.

The are also concerns the changes could see staff moved to different ambulance stations.

Staff reaction to the proposals has been overwhelming negative and a recent indicative ballot saw 80 per cent of participating members vote in favour of industrial action on an 80 per cent turnout.

Talks are ongoing to avoid industrial action, but the union has warned that if no progress is made, ballots could be sent to members before the end of September.

Ashley Foster, GMB Regional Organiser, said:

“Our members are worried about the impact these changes could have on patient safety and their working relationships.

“We have explained our members’ concerns to the Trust, but we cannot force them to listen.

“Ultimately the Trust must decide between their vanity project and staff welfare.

“We just hope logic prevails and there is no need for industrial action.”

A GMB member working for EEAST, said:

“I’ve worked with the same crewmate almost every day for the last 10 years and we know each other better than our partners at home.

“I know what my crewmate will do before they do it and it’s that level of trust and understanding that lets us work so efficiently.

“I do not understand why they are doing this to us – EEAST just keep saying it will make us happier, but they will not listen to us when we tell them we don’t want it. It’s disrespectful, we aren’t stupid.

“I’ve worked on an ambulance all my working life but if this goes through, I’m done with it.”