UNISON & GMB Joint Update: Rota Consultation – Members’ Voices Must Be Heard

Firstly, thank you to every member who has taken part in the recent rota surveys.
Your feedback has been loud and clear – members are frustrated, disillusioned, and deeply concerned with the current rota consultation process.

Meeting with the Trust – Monday 10th November 2025

Branch Leads from both UNISON and GMB met with representatives from the Trust Executive Team to discuss the ongoing rota consultation.

Both unions presented the clear survey results showing that the majority of staff oppose many of the proposed key principles — particularly the Guaranteed Leave Week (GLW) and concerns around poor engagement.

It was made clear that as an organisation, the workforce does not feel on board with these proposals.

Call to Pause the Consultation

Both unions formally called for a pause to the consultation to allow for meaningful and constructive negotiations and to rebuild staff trust in the process.
We stated clearly that staff do not trust the process and feel their feedback has not been listened to.

THE TRUST HAVE DECLINED THIS REQUEST, stating that a pause “would not be beneficial at this stage” as “there is still time for reflection and change within the consultation period.”
They did not rule out a pause later, but for now, the consultation continues.

Both UNISON and GMB are deeply disappointed with this response.

Key Issues Raised

Both unions raised serious concerns and objections around several critical areas, including:

Principle 1 (Guaranteed Leave Week – GLW)
Meal break duration
Sort rota allocation
Reduction in FRV (First Response Vehicle) cover
Reduction in unsocial hours
Staff displacement
Patient safety

This list is not exhaustive — additional concerns were discussed.

During the meeting, the Trust made clear there would be a reduction in FRV cover, citing the need to cover Category 2 (C2) responses. Both unions strongly disagreed, stating that reducing FRV cover will not improve C2 response times and increase ambulance handover delays at Emergency Departments, leaving fewer resources for the community. The Trust refuted this position.

Next Steps and Counterproposal

With neither side able to reach an agreement, the Trust requested a counterproposal from the unions.
Both UNISON and GMB are now working together to develop this.

We have been clear that negotiations must be open, transparent, and accountable — not consultation in name only.

While we remain committed to exploring improvements, we made it clear a consultative ballot remains firmly on the table if meaningful progress is not achieved within a reasonable timeframe.

Our Position and Next Actions

Both unions made it clear that failure to reach an amicable solution may result in us consulting our members via a consultative ballot, with a view to a formal ballot for industrial action should we achieve a mandate.

We are still in dialogue, with further meetings planned once a joint counterproposal is ready.
However, we firmly believe this entire process should be paused pending further discussions.

UNISON and GMB will continue to:

Push for substantial changes to the current rota proposals.
Continue surveying members for feedback.
Keep members fully informed throughout this process.
Prepare for a consultative ballot should negotiations fail to deliver meaningful outcomes.

Final Message

There are currently a few areas of common ground, the Trust and the Unions still remain apart on other key areas.
We will continue to fight for a rota that is fair, safe, and sustainable for all EMAS staff, protecting both staff wellbeing and patient safety.

Your voice matters — and it must be heard.
Please ensure your membership details are up to date so you can have your say in any upcoming consultative ballot.

Contact UNISON Direct on 0800 0 857 857.

In solidarity,
UNISON & GMB Branch Leads