Alderney ambulance strikes continue

Monday 09 December 2019

Hopes that Alderney's striking ambulance crew would be back on duty this week have been dashed after a misunderstanding between the parties and their mediator delayed talks to resolve the situation.

The volunteer members of the crew walked out last week, to show solidarity with Mel Walden, the Chief Officer of the independent Alderney Ambulance Service, who was reportedly sacked after a review.

Last week, the President of the States of Alderney had said he would act as mediator between the two sides, to facilitate talks between the States and the AAS.

However, over the weekend there appeared to be a misunderstanding, where the AAS thought William Tate had withdrawn that offer. He has since confirmed he is still happy to mediate in any talks which might occur between the crew and Board of the Alderney Ambulance Service. 

It doesn't look like the situation will be quickly resolved though as the AAS says the Board don't seem willing to meet for talks. 

"Alderney Ambulance Crew are pleased to note Mr Tate’s continued willingness to act in this capacity," said the AAS spokesperson.

"However, for talks to take place, there must be willingness from both parties to enter into them. The crew have publicly stated their willingness for our representatives to meet with the Board but as yet, no correspondence has been received by us and no public statement has been issued by AAS Board.

"The crew wish to reiterate our regret that our action in support of our Chief Officer has been necessitated and our sincere hope that a resolution can be found which allows all of us, including our Chief Officer, to return to duty as soon as possible."

The States of Alderney has not said anything publicly since it issued a statement on 5 December saying talks were due to be held later that day between the States and the Alderney Ambulance Service to "consider how the situation can be resolved".

Pictured: A St John Ambulance in Guernsey. 

The Alderney Ambulance Service is an independent charity funded principally by subscriptions. It is not owned or contracted by the States of Alderney but the States does provide an annual grant to support the delivery of the service.

While the strike action is ongoing, staff from St John Ambulance, in Guernsey, are offering emergency cover in Alderney.

Pictured top: Inset image from the Alderney Ambulance Service website.