Industrial action stepped up

Ambulance drivers yesterday stepped up their industrial action by refusing to work overtime, in line with a directive issued by the Union Haddiema Maghqudin.

Drivers were already following partial industrial action, by only answering emergency calls, after the government turned down their request for an allowance after they attended a first aid course.

The drivers were earlier directed to carry patients only if a nurse was present.

The UHM said it was a shame for the government to continue avoiding dialogue over the issue and spend public money on overtime.

It would have been more useful had the money, which the government was prepared to pay on overtime, been used to continue to train the workers as the UHM was requesting, the union said.