By Amy Devine
Daily Record
ENGLAND — Paramedics have rejected a deal for cash bonuses to respond to emergency calls during their tea breaks.
Ambulance bosses offered crews pounds 250 each year along with 45 minutes of overtime each time their breaks were disturbed.
But staff turned down the offer in favour of keeping their 30 minute unpaid break.
The deal was proposed by the Scottish Ambulance Service after crews threatened to strike over plans to make them available for 999 calls at all times.
Crews already receive pounds 5 each time they respond to a call-out.
David Forbes, regional organiser for Unison, said: “Our workers are driving at speed to get to calls where people’s lives depend on them.
“They value their 30 minute unpaid break and the majority would like to keep it.”
Talks are set to resume next month.
Copyright 2011 Scottish Daily Record & Sunday Mail Ltd.