Industrial action at the National Ambulance Service control centre in Dublin has been deferred.

It is to allow for further negotiations and for contingency plans to be finalised.

SIPTU has said the action is being taken because of the non-implementation of a number of agreements reached at the Workplace Relations Commission.

These include staffing levels, the filling of permanent vacancies, pay rates and the retention of emergency call takers.

“SIPTU members met with management last week and called on them to deliver on these agreements,” said SIPTU Organiser John McCamley.

“The workers have gone through a long and arduous engagement process to try to resolve this dispute but are willing to re-engage with management if senior decision-makers are involved in the process. Our members see this as crucial as commitments given by management to date have not been honoured on several occasions.

“If management does not engage in serious negotiations, SIPTU members will implement a work-to-rule beginning on Monday, 20th June. This action will affect non-emergency duties carried out by staff within the control centre.”