AMBULANCE crews across Lancashire could strike over the Millennium as part of a campaign to see their wage rises brought in line with clinical staff.

The mercy crews say they may take industrial action after being offered a pay rise of three per cent, compared with 4.7 per cent offered to nursing staff.

Now frontline paramedics say they are prepared to walk out during the Millennium celebrations if last ditch talks fail.

National ambulance bosses are due to meet with union representatives within the next couple of weeks in an attempt to resolve the matter and prevent a strike ballot of members of the Transport and General Workers Union, the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel and Unison.

Ian Jones, a senior union representative for the APAP, who covers the Blackpool area, explained: "Ambulance men and women in Blackpool are feeling very frustrated as we are heading to the end of the year and we haven't yet had an agreed pay settlement for Whitley contracted staff.

"We have only recently had an offer on Trust contracts, which is only guaranteed at three per cent. Compared with the nursing staff's increase, which may be anything from 4.5 per cent to 11, it isn't acceptable.

"All in all, the staff feel undervalued, overworked and underpaid. However, I personally have not heard any talk about walking out on New Year's Eve in Blackpool and plans are already in place for the Millennium.

"Management have made an offer to pay triple time for New Year, but we haven't accepted yet." Feelings run strong over this issue and some paramedics have already confirmed their determination to get a fair deal - even if it means walking out during the Millennium festivities.

One Preston paramedic, who did not wish to be identified, said: "In the past, we have always been given the same raise as nurses but this year it was different and we don't feel there should be a difference.

"In our view, we are just as important and have trained for this job which doesn't pay as well as the other emergency services. Striking over the Millennium would hopefully prove how vital we are."

A spokesman for the APAP said: "All three trade unions, ourselves, the TGU and Unison, have rejected this pay offer. A ballot was due to take place but was stopped pending these new talks."

Peter Cooney, of Lancashire Ambulance NHS Trust, said: "We have received no official confirmation but do know of the talks. If the worst came to the worst, the police and management would be used to make sure emergency cases were dealt with."

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