As previously reported on Liverpool Indymedia, the dispute began when the employers double-crossed workers over a pay review they said would be 'binding on all parties'. When the review gave them the 'wrong' answer, the employers used a range of spoiling tactics in an attempt to enforce lower rates for ambulance technicians.

The action - which is planned to start at 7am on Thursday - would leave Merseyside without 40% of its ambulance cover.

Union leaders say around 200 technicians (effectively trainee paramedics who deal with 999 calls) and 70 high dependency staff will walk out.

Last night Ray Carrick, spokesman for the ASU, said: "We have spent the day in talks again, and we have agreed to meet again in the next 48 hours.

"As it stands now the planned strike action for Thursday is still on.

"We have given them a list of proposals and they need to consider those before we talk again."

The ASU fears technicians will be placed in Band 4, on a salary of £19,000 each, a cut for some as they currently earn anywhere between £19,000 and £21,070.

The union wants to see them placed at the bottom of Band 5, on £21,118, with a full 25% un-social hours bonus. If they are placed on Band 4, their overall rise would effectively work out at a total 14% including the un-social hours bonus, for those who qualify for the full amount.

Two further strike action dates on Tuesday 18th and Sunday 23rd July are also still being considered.

Ambulance workers don't take the threat of strike action lightly, knowing how important their jobs are to the welfare of the general public. However, it is precisely because they serve us all so well that we should support them against their employers' dodgy dealings.