Ambulance workers announce June strikes

BALEARIC ambulance drivers will go on an ‘indefinite’ strike from May 30. Initially four dates were given for strike action to demand higher wages and better working conditions, Tuesday’s planned strike went ahead, but the other three dates (May 25, June 1 and 8) have been called off.

This follows Tuesday’s meeting between workers unions UGT and CCOO with the company contracted to provide this service.

UGT transport secretary Javier Marin confirmed they were forced to “intensify” the protests given the inflexible attitude shown by the ambulance company to reach an agreement.

The strikes will consist of ambulances working 8-hour shifts instead of the usual 12-hour shifts, leaving four hours per worker without cover, UGT said in a statement.

One of the problems workers face, according to the UGT, is that companies make ‘bold bid’ to win the contracts, knowing they will not be able to service the deal.