SIPTU is to recommend that its members accept Labour Court proposals aimed at resolving a pay dispute at the National Ambulance Service.
The proposals includes pay increases for emergency medical technicians, paramedics, specialist paramedics and paramedic supervisors.
SIPTU said the Labour Court recommendation also protects the majority of existing terms and conditions of ambulance personnel.
The union described the proposals as a “major breakthrough” in the dispute.
“This recommendation represents the culmination of a long process which now recognises the upskilling, changes and workload undertaken by union members over the last 15 to 20 years,” said SIPTU Ambulance Sector Organiser John McCamley.
“It is a vindication of our members’ determination to seek pay justice and respect from the HSE,” Mr McCamley said.
In a statement, the HSE thanked the Labour Court for its assistance and said it welcomed the recommendations.
“The HSE will work positively with all parties to progress matters through the established industrial relations processes,” a spokesperson said.
A 24-hour strike by frontline ambulance workers took place last month, with the HSE saying it had a “significant impact” on services.
Further planned strikes were stood down to allow for talks at the Labour Court.
SIPTU and Unite had accused the HSE of failing to implement the recommendations of an independent report on updating staff salary scales to reflect changes in responsibilities and workload.
The HSE said that previous proposals to resolve the dispute, that would have delivered pay increases, were rejected.
Unions said however that the proposals came with conditions, including changes to allowances, that were unacceptable to members.
