July, 2006: Parkwood Healthcare wins the patient transport service (PTS) contract from Staffordshire Ambulance Trust.

August 29, 2006: Managing director Mark Boothroyd admits it has been failing the public.

October 20, 2007: Most of the 83 Parkwood workers in North Staffordshire back calls for industrial action over pay and conditions.

November 23, 2007: Drivers vote to stage the area's first ambulance strike for 18 years.

December 2, 2007: Staff give bosses official notice they will start a work to rule.

December 22 2007: Ambulance drivers stop their work-to-rule after their employer said it will move towards a resolution.

June 26, 2008: Health Under-Secretary Of State Ann Keen orders health officials to resolve the dispute.

July 24, 2008: Unions welcome reports Parkwood has pleaded with the NHS for cash so it can pay all its staff the same. Arbitration agency ACAS is called in.

August 29 2008: Crunch talks fail to break deadlock.