Labour Court recommends HSE (South) and Unite implement Waterford ambulance roster agreement

The Labour Court recommended that HSE (South) and Unite implement as a priority their agreement in principle on a new roster at Waterford Regional Hospital’s ambulance base. The recommendation was dated 7 October 2008. Unite sought to increase staffing from 20 to 26 emergency medical technicians, arguing the larger roster was needed to provide the public service and that earlier plans had not been put in place. HSE (South) said financial constraints and changes to the National Ambulance Service affected the plan and prevented recruitment of extra staff. The Court found the parties had reached an agreement in principle and recommended they implement it as a matter of priority.