Ambos take “tea cup” protest, renew strike action at St John

St John ambulance staff are taking a “tea cup protest” outside their employer’s head office today before a second round of strike action at the emergency service provider kicks off tomorrow.

Ambulance Professionals First spokesperson Lynette Blacklaws said it's a bad sign when ambulance staff have to stage a protest simply to win recognition that they’re entitled to an uninterrupted meal break.

“Once Ambulance Professionals finish helping one distressed person, they're called to help another,” she said.

“St John is so short-staffed there simply isn’t time for a full rest break. This is driving fatigue and it isn't safe for the community or for ambulance staff.”

“Ambulance staff want to send a strong message without causing disruption to patients. Holding a tea break with our tea cups is one way we’re going to send a message to St John that ambulance staff need an uninterrupted break. Why can’t St John understand that?”

Following the protest a second uniform strike will begin on Friday. Ambulance staff who are FIRST Union members will ignore the uniform policy and wear tee-shirts reading “Healthy Ambos Save Lives.” They will still respond to emergencies.

Approximately 40 St John staff and union delegates will hold the tea cup protest outside St John’s head office at 2 Harrison Road, Mt Wellington, Auckland, from 12.30pm to 1.00pm.

ENDS

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