"Ambulance workers don't want to be on the picket line they want to be doing their jobs."
That's according to Paul Mulholland who has been on the picket line since 8am outside the entrance of Cavan General Hospital.
Around 2,000 ambulance workers, EMTs and paramedics are on strike and gathering at picket lines around the country.
The industrial action at the National Ambulance Service over pay, kicked off at 8am and lasts for 24 hours, with further action planned for next week.
Over the last 15 years, Paul says workers like himself have taken on a lot more roles and responsibilities which is better for the public, however workers have not been paid for that extra work.
He said his job is to be in an ambulance helping people however Government is refusing to acknowledge the extra pay that is due.
Sinn Fein councillor Damien Brady also joined ambulance workers on the picket line who he said don't want to be here.
He said days like this are very difficult for workers, who want Government to listen and for the HSE to resolve this immediately.
He told Northern Sound that if someone doesn't do something about this then lives will be lost.
Speaking from the picket line outside the entrance of Cavan General Hospital, Senator Pauline Tully said staff have been left with no other choice.
She told Northern Sound that these people are the difference between life and death for many however what was promised to them has not been delivered.
