City, country ambos reject pay offer

The ambulance union’s State Council unanimously rejected Ambulance Victoria’s pay offer at a meeting in Melbourne yesterday.

Over the last three days members’ meetings in Melbourne, Bendigo and Ballarat have also unanimously rejected the offer.

Ambulance Employees Australia State Secretary Steve McGhie said paramedics are bewildered by Ambulance Victoria’s refusal to support 10-hour rest breaks.

“Paramedics we surveyed said they’ve fallen asleep driving and made mistakes because of their long hours and workload. They average six hours sleep a night, and often less than that.”

“Ambos simply want to make sure they can get enough sleep so they’re safe to drive and do they’re jobs properly. It seems like a no-brainer, but it’s been rejected. It’s bizarre.”

McGhie said members also made clear the current pay offer is impossible to accept.

“Inflation has reached 4.5% yet paramedics are being offered annual increases of 3.25%. Basically, they’re being offered a pay cut. That is something they will not accept.”

“Not one member across the state has told me they support this offer. They feel they’re being forced to take industrial action to get a fair deal.”

“The Government hopes to rein in emergency response times, which continue to be at a crisis point. They’re desperately trying to find 358 more ambos.”

“But unless ambos get fair wages and issues like fatigue are dealt with, who will want to do this job?”

“This EBA needs to be resolved now. It’s time this government got serious.”

More regional and metropolitan meetings are scheduled over the coming fortnight.

Paramedics are asking the public to sign an online petition in support of 10 hour rest breaks at www.responsetime.org.au