On the picket line at Keynsham Ambulance Station today: Paul Clements and Gary Thornton
Ambulance staff in Keynsham and Soundwell were today among the thousands of NHS workers, also including nurses and midwives, who have been taking part in a four-hour strike.
Workers from six trade unions have been taking part in the industrial action, which has disrupted some NHS services although urgent and emergency care have been unaffected.
Trade unions want a 1% pay rise for all NHS staff, but the Government has said the proposal would cost too much.
Today’s strike action will be followed by an overtime ban in the ambulance service from tomorrow until Friday, with other NHS employees working to their contracted hours during the same period. The action is focused on making sure members take their breaks.
Workers have said they are taking action with a heavy heart but that a third of NHS staff do not get paid enough to live on.
Among those on the picket line in Keynsham outside Keynsham Ambulance Station today were Paul Clements and Gary Thornton who were encouraged by the high number of motorists beeping their horn in support as they drove past.
And firefighters joined striking ambulance staff at Soundwell to show their solidarity.
