Around 250 EMTs, paramedics and advanced paramedics in Kerry have begun industrial action.
That's according to SIPTU ambulance sector organiser, John McCamley.
Approximately 2,000 SIPTU members of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) began a nationwide work-to-rule campaign today (Monday, 11th May).
They, along with ambulance workers represented by UNITE, will then implement a 24-hour work nationwide stoppage tomorrow (Tuesday, 12th May).
Further work stoppages are scheduled for Tuesday, 19th May and Tuesday, 26th May, with further action planned during June.
The work-to-rule will involve members strictly adhering to their job descriptions and refusing to cooperate with new procedures or changes.
SIPTU says that it's members are striking because the HSE has not updated their pay scales to reflect changes in their responsibilities and workloads over the past twenty years.
It claims this measure was recommendations by an independent report.
SIPTU Ambulance Sector Organiser, John McCamley, says the service has moved away from patient transport to a higher level of pre-hospital care and treatment.
The HSE has a contingency plan in place ahead of ambulance service disruption to the public tomorrow.
He maintains that the professionalisation and modernisation of the service, and well as increased training and qualifications be recognised in a pay structure.
