The strikes are scheduled for 14 and 28 September and have been called by the Union of Pre-Hospital Emergency Technicians (STEPH), which represents workers at the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM).

The decision was announced following an extraordinary general meeting of workers on 13 August.

Emergency network

The union is protesting against INEM's new organisational structure and changes planned for the country's emergency response network.

One of the main concerns is what STEPH describes as the removal of around 100 ambulances from INEM's operational structure.

The changes include transferring the management of 54 emergency ambulances to Local Health Units (ULS), while 46 Immediate Life Support (SIV) ambulances are expected to be transformed into light emergency vehicles.

Response times

The union argues that the changes could have consequences for the emergency response available to the public and has been calling on the Government to reconsider the plans.

STEPH president Rui Lázaro said the union expects some disruption during the strikes and hopes the Government and INEM will be better prepared than during previous industrial action.

The Government has defended the reorganisation, saying it does not represent a reduction in emergency resources. The Ministry of Health has said the changes are intended to bring emergency services closer to the population and improve response times.

The new organisational structure for INEM came into force on 1 August and changes how pre-hospital emergency services are organised, including greater coordination with Local Health Units.

The strikes will take place on Monday, 14 September, and Monday, 28 September.