AS AMBULANCE care assistants organised into the GMB union embark on an escalating programme of strike action against Epsom and St Helier NHS, it is timely to highlight the history and the very poor treatment of these workers. 

Back in 2018 these ambulance staff had no union strength as the union had very few members. Visits to the ambulance base led to aggressive confrontations with some bullying, petty-minded managers who were supported by the senior managers.

In spite of the challenges, a persistent and consistent GMB union organising drive over a number of years alongside the bravery and determination of newly appointed GMB representatives has led to a high union density amongst this workforce. The workforce has come a long way, so this strike is about more than pay, it’s about the right to keep hard-won trade union density in this workplace.