Ambulance strikes due to take place across the North East later this week have been suspended.
Unions called on members to take part in further industrial this month. The action was planned as part of a dispute with the Government over the 2022/23 pay award.
However strike action will now be paused while RCN, Unison, GMB, CSP, Unite and BDA consult their members. The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said consultations will be held over the coming weeks.
Union members, including ambulance crews, 999 and 111 call centres and Patient Transport Service (PTS) workers, were due to strike on various dates between Saturday, March 18 and Thursday, March 23.
The NEAS previously warned that all service lines would be affected and there would be fewer ambulances available to respond to Category 2 calls, such as stroke and chest pain, during the period of action.
They have now said: "Those unions with mandates for industrial action, RCN, Unison, GMB, CSP, Unite and BDA will now consult their members in consultations that will be held over the coming weeks. Strike action will continue to be paused while these ballots are ongoing.
"As a result of the action being stood down, we are standing down arrangements made to respond to industrial action next week. We will continue to work with trade union colleagues closely to keep patients safe and will update you as necessary."
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