Talks continue

Friday 06 December 2019

Alderney's ambulance crew are striking for a second day in protest at the sacking of their Chief Officer, as initial talks to resolve the dispute haven't found a solution.

The voluntary crew stood down yesterday, with the States of Alderney saying the industrial action is involving "some Ambulance Service staff" and that it has "threatened to place the island's community in a critical situation".

However, that has been disputed by the crew of the Alderney Ambulance Service, who said members "covered the frontline calls overnight until a smooth handover" with staff from Guernsey's St John Ambulance who flew over yesterday to offer support.

Alderney's ambulance service is entirely independent and is not in any way linked with St John Ambulance.

Pictured: St John Ambulance has sent staff from Guernsey over to Alderney to cover shifts. 

Within hours of the strike action being called, talks were being held to try and resolve the dispute.

In a statement issued on Thursday night, the crew members of Alderney Ambulance Service Ltd said they had "met this evening to discuss their action in support of Chief Officer Melanie Walden, who was unfairly dismissed by AAS Board Members Les Stewart (Chairman) and Julie Maxwell yesterday morning. Mrs Walden was not present at the meeting.

"It was unanimously agreed by those present that the crew do not wish this to be a prolonged dispute and all want to resolve the issue and resume normal ambulance service duties as soon as possible.

"In order to move towards resolution, the crew have appointed representatives and have been in contact with Mr William Tate, President of the States, who, we are delighted to say, has kindly agreed to our request that he facilitate talks and act as an impartial mediator. We understand that Mr Tate will make contact with the Board of AAS tomorrow, with a view to talks beginning soon."

In the meantime, emergency ambulance cover for Alderney is continuing to be provided by Guernsey's St John Ambulance service. 

Pictured top: Inset, file image of an Alderney ambulance.