Welcome to EEAS-UNISON.com
The UNISON branch of the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) exists to represent staff issues within this trust. UNISON itself is Britain's biggest union with a membership in excess of 1.3million whilst this Branch exists to focus on the 2000 members within the Trust.
We seek to offer our members welfare support, benefits and discounts, help and advice on employment, legal and health & safety matters as well as education and training opportunities.
It is important to remember that UNISON has primary recognition within the Trust, and has worked hard to develop a solid working relationship with the management team. This in turn, allows UNISON to negotiate the best possible pay and conditions for EEAS employees through continued communications with the Trust.
Pay Ballot
We are disapointed to announce that the individual postal ballot of 452,000 members working in the NHS saw 64.91% of those taking part vote to accept the three-year offer.
Ambulance Support Workers
The Trust has decided to change the way that Ambulance Support Workers (ASWs) are to be used. Despite staffside objections, the Trust has decided to utilise them on a frontline ambulance with a clinician - be they an EMT or Paramedic.
Unison strongly oppose this change from intermediate tier use but in order to effect a potential change of direction, staff must take the initiative to voice their objections to this plan now. How will you feel when you arrive on station and find yourself presented with this arrangement? If you have a view then you must have your say – NOW.
Call Connect
Recently has seen the start of a new system of recording ambulance response times
in England. 'Call Connect' will increase the pressure on already
overstretched Ambulance trusts.
English Ambulance trusts are moving to what is called a 'Front Loaded Model' that will see a single crewed vehicle deliver the initial Ambulance response to most incidents. Most English trusts are also introducing an Emergency Care Assistant role that will support the Ambulance Paramedics and Technicians.
UNISON has a number of concerns over these developments which we have outlined in this briefing.
Pay Matters
Mortgages and rents are increasing; fuel bills are increasing; food prices are on the rise. The government says you must get 2% for the next three years, but inflation is over 4%. The government is asking you to take a pay cut and accept half the going rate. We say NO.
The Risk of Call Connect
With Call Connect, the new standard in monitoring Ambulance response times fast approaching, the UNISON Branch urges staff to maintain driving standards.
Social Networking Sites Risking Employment?
Darren Meads, Branch ICT Officer, offers some cautionary advice on using Facebook and other social networking websites.
Ambulance Shake-up 'Poses Risks'
Ambulance unions and some doctors fear plans for vehicles manned by one person to answer more 999 calls in England could put patients at risk.
Unpaid and Priceless
Darren Meads (former Beds&Herts Communications Officer) writes an honest account of his feelings on the critisms of the UNISON branch.
