DUBLIN, Ireland: Ambulance workers went on a 24-hour strike action over a pay dispute, and the HSE said the industrial action would significantly impact ambulance services.

Almost 2,000 SIPTU members in the NAS voted overwhelmingly last week for strike action over updated salary scales within the service, saying they are "prepared for the long haul."

Older people unsure about calling an ambulance during the strike are being told not to wait and to seek help if needed.

Today's strike is expected to be followed by a 48-hour strike on May 19 and a 72-hour strike on May 26.

Enterprise Minister Peter Burke said there is a clear way for the HSE and union workers to talk and solve the issue. He said that pay disputes in public services are usually resolved, and stressed the importance of sitting down together and working through the process. He also said Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will be working hard to help reach a solution.

People Before Profit leader Richard Boyd Barrett said the strike is the fault of the Government and the HSE. He said they are responsible for pushing ambulance workers into taking this action. He added that the workers should be supported, and their demand for better pay should be accepted.

The Department of Health said it is unfortunate that the strike is happening and warned that it will seriously affect services.

Unions say that ambulance staff, including EMTs, paramedics, and supervisors, have taken on much more responsibility in recent years. They also say a promised 5% pay increase has not been given.

After the strike began, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it is not good for patients or the public that emergency services are affected in this way. He urged unions to return to talks, saying it is the only way to solve the problem.