Following extensive member engagement, feedback and survey responses, GMB secured a pause to the EMAS rota review process to allow for meaningful negotiations with the Trust.
This pause was requested directly in response to the strength and clarity of feedback received from members across the service.
What Members Told Us – Key Findings
The recent survey and ballot responses provide a clear and evidenced picture of member sentiment.
Widespread Discontent with Rostering Principles
- 82.5% of respondents are unhappy with the final rostering principles.
This indicates a significant disconnect between management proposals and staff expectations.
Strong Willingness for Industrial Action
- 85.4% of respondents indicated they would be prepared to take industrial action if the rota is not acceptable.
This reflects deep-rooted frustration and should not be underestimated.
Opposition to FRV Cover Reduction
- 87.8% of respondents oppose the reduction in FRV cover.
- 68.4% would be willing to strike over this issue.
This represents emphatic rejection of the proposed FRV changes.
Areas of Concern
The findings raise serious issues that require meaningful discussion:
- Dissatisfaction with Rostering: Many colleagues feel the proposed principles do not meet operational or personal needs, with potential implications for morale and retention.
- Lack of Feedback Mechanism: Failure to provide clear reasoning for rejected rota suggestions risks discouraging future engagement.
- Risk of Escalation: The high percentage of members willing to take industrial action reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need for resolution.
Positive Indicators
Members have shown they are willing to engage, but they expect that engagement to lead to genuine outcomes.
Recognising All Members
We were aware that there were likely to be areas where colleagues had reached genuine agreement regarding their proposed new rotas.
Those colleagues cannot and will not be ignored.
The pause allows for negotiation on behalf of:
- Colleagues who are in agreement with changes and seeking clarity or protection
- Colleagues who remain firmly opposed to aspects of the proposals
- Members raising unresolved concerns around rota principles and FRV reductions
Our responsibility is to represent all members fairly and ensure that no voice is overlooked.
Consultative Ballot and Negotiation
The move toward a consultative ballot for potential industrial action, alongside a renewed request to pause the process, was not taken lightly.
It is important to be clear: this step was only taken recently after sustained efforts to negotiate throughout the consultation had been unable to secure outcomes that were desirable for our members.
We sought resolution through engagement at multiple stages. However, those attempts did not deliver the progress members expected or required.
Given the scale of dissatisfaction, including 82.5% opposition to the principles and 87.8% opposition to FRV reductions, escalation became necessary to secure meaningful engagement.
The request to pause the process, together with notification of a consultative ballot for potential industrial action, has now created an opportunity for structured and constructive discussions.
On previous occasions, requests for a pause were rejected by EMAS. This time, following the strength of member feedback, the pause has been granted.
What Happens Next
Formal negotiations will commence on:
Thursday 26 February 2026
On this date, GMB leads will meet directly with the CEO to begin focused discussions aimed at addressing:
- Remaining concerns around rota principles
- The proposed FRV reductions
- Issues raised consistently by members during the consultation
- Improvements to feedback mechanisms and engagement processes
As part of these negotiations, we will also be seeking agreement that:
- Where there is genuine agreement with changed rotas, colleagues will be able to continue with these plans.
It is important that those who have already reached mutual agreement on workable rota arrangements are not disadvantaged by the pause.
Our aim is to ensure fairness and flexibility, protecting colleagues who remain opposed to aspects of the proposals, while also respecting agreements that have already been reached in good faith.
We will continue to update members as negotiations progress and further clarity is secured.
Timeline of GMB Actions – EMAS Rota Consultation
🕒 31 October 2025
Joint Trade Union Update
GMB and UNISON meet with EMAS Executive Team. Member concerns raised and request made to pause consultation.
🕒 3 November 2025
GMB Launches Member Survey
Rota consultation survey opened to gather member views and inform union position.
🕒 13 November 2025
Formal Call to Pause Consultation
Joint update issued raising significant concerns over rota principles and engagement process.
🕒 21 November 2025
Ongoing Union Engagement
Continued dialogue with EMAS, representing member feedback throughout the consultation.
🕒 12 December 2025
Consultation Closes (A&E Rota Review)
Formal consultation period ends following extension.
🕒 28 January – 4 February 2026
GMB Rota & FRV Ballot
Formal member ballot opened to test strength of feeling on rota principles and FRV reductions.
🕒 13 February 2026
Ballot Results Announced
Strong opposition recorded to rota principles and FRV reductions. Emergency Branch Meeting called.
🕒 20 February 2026
Notification of Consultative Ballot for Potential Industrial Action outcome communicated to EMAS with a further formal request to pause consultation to allow for meaningful negotiations
CEO agrees to pause rota review process to allow negotiations.
In solidarity, GMB@EMAS