The national ambulance council, representing workers from around the State, will meet today to decide what form of industrial action, including the question of an all-out strike, should be balloted on next week, writes Carol Coulter.
All branches have been circulated by the ambulance drivers' union, SIPTU, with a notice of intention to hold a ballot on industrial action in support of ambulance drivers in Wicklow whose work is being done by Army personnel.
They have been in dispute with the Eastern Health Board for three weeks about the transfer of staff to Arklow.
According to a union official, Mr Matt Merrigan, the board transferred staff from Wicklow to a new station in Arklow, a round trip of 34 miles, without seeking volunteers. They went on strike as a result, and emergency cover has been provided by the Army.
There were discussions on the matter over two days last week, but these broke down.