The use of the military to assist East Midlands Ambulance Service during strike action has been labeled a 'smokescreen' by striking workers. Industrial action is taking place at EMAS from February 20 until February 21 involving members of GMB and Unite.
Mark Dawn, branch secretary for GMB EMAS and a trained paramedic, criticised the use of the militaryand urged the Government to start talks over pay and conditions. Around 20 members of military personnel including 13 Royal Marines from Plymouth and Taunton, four members of the Army from Larkhill and three RAF personnel from Peterborough and Brize Norton.
Their role will be to drive vehicles in addition to the moving and of some patients and equipment. EMAS has a workforce of more than 4,000 people and the GMB union says their action may affect up to 50 per cent of staff. Unite has fewer than 15 members at the service.
