East of England Ambulance staff threaten strike action over plans to shake up working patterns

By Gbam Godwin On Aug 30, 2025

East of England Ambulance staff threaten strike action over plans to shake up working patterns.

More than 1,000 employees at the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) could vote to strike over new plans to implement team-based working.

If adopted, the ideas would result in altered rotas, with staff concerned about being shifted to various stations.

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Union GMB has warned that if no progress is made to address the concerns, ballots for strike action may be distributed by the end of September.

Ashley Foster, GMB regional organiser, stated, “Our members are concerned about the impact these changes may have on patient safety and working relationships.”

“We have explained our members’ concerns to the Trust, but we cannot force them to listen.” Ultimately, the Trust must choose between its vanity project and employee welfare. We just hope that logic triumphs and there is no need for industrial action.”

However, Neill Moloney, Chief Executive of East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, stated that the team-based approach is “being designed to support [its] people, ensuring everyone has access to a compassionate manager and is part of a supportive, collaborative team.”

He explained: “We understand GMB’s concerns and are dedicated to working together with our employees and unions to resolve this.

“We are actively engaging with our people to shape this approach together, aiming to minimise disruption and preserve strong working relationships.” Above all, patient safety remains a key priority.

Any adjustments will be carefully considered to ensure we continue to provide the greatest level of service.” One GMB member who works with EEAST expressed their thoughts on the proposed changes. They went on:

“I’ve worked with the same crewmate almost every day for the last 10 years and we know each other better than our partners at home.” I know what my crewmate is going to do before they do it, and that level of trust and knowledge allows us to work so efficiently.

“I don’t understand why they’re doing this to us; EEAST keeps insisting it’ll make us happy, but they won’t listen when we say we don’t want it. We are not stupid, and it is disrespectful. “I’ve worked on ambulances my entire life, but if this goes through, I’m done.”