Ambulance staff all over East Yorkshire could be balloted on strike action after some crews staged a walk-out over back pay.

Ray Gray, regional officer for public service union Unison, said they were expecting proposals from management today and would distribute them to staff.

If the proposals were not acceptable the union would move to formally ballot accident and emergency crews across East Yorkshire on industrial action. During a two-hour period yesterday, 24 accident and emergency staff and 28 non-emergency workers refused to work, said Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Trust spokesman Nigel Metcalfe.

"They were unhappy with back pay arrangements, which were agreed in February," he said.

Mr Metcalfe said some North Yorkshire vehicles were moved to strategic points to give cover if it was needed. Taxis were also used for non-emergency journeys and rapid response vehicles with paramedics were also deployed.

He said the action was concentrated on Hull Central Ambulance Station, and he did not believe any patients were affected.

Mr Gray said nine stations took part in the unofficial dispute, which took both management and union officials by surprise. Though those around Hull were most affected there was also no cover at other stations, including Beverley and Brough, and there were calls from staff at Driffield and Bridlington about the action.

Both sides were talking yesterday afternoon, then further talks between trust chief executive David Craig and East Yorkshire chief ambulance officer Steve Spurling took place with Unison officials during the evening.

andrew.hitchon@ycp.co.uk

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