Hundreds of workers represented by Unison Cymru will be asked from tomorrow (24 October) if they wish to strike over their wage increase for 2025/26.

The dispute centres on the Welsh government's decision earlier this year to simply implement the NHS Pay Review Body's recommended 3.6% increase for those on the Agenda for Change pay scale, rather than hold talks on a fair pay rise.

Unison says the award is now below inflation – currently at 3.8% – leaving ambulance workers and other NHS staff struggling to make ends meet.

Staff belonging to the union across Wales backed strike action in a consultation. Welsh Ambulance Service is the first employer to be targeted as part of an all-Wales campaign to ‘Put NHS pay right'.

Unison Cymru head of health, Tanya Bull, said: ‘They want a fair pay rise. One that recognises their contribution and helps them keep on top of inflation.

‘The ambulance service ballot is the first step in a wider Unison Cymru campaign. If there's no improvement on the 3.6%, staff at other NHS employers could follow. These NHS workers are ready to act to win the respect and pay they deserve.

In response, Carl Kneeshaw, director of people at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: ‘We are aware of Unison's intention to ballot members as part of a pay award dispute with Welsh Government.

‘We respect the right of staff to take part in this democratic process and will continue to liaise closely with trade union partners throughout.'

If employees vote for industrial action, walkouts could take place in Wales as early as Christmas or during the busiest winter months for the NHS.