United Voice News
Victorian paramedics and public win safer ambulance service at 11th hour
After 15 months of campaigning for decent rest breaks and a safer ambulance service, paramedics have won an eleventh hour agreement with the Victorian Government.
The government finally agreed to 10-hour rest breaks late last night, on the final day of the 21-day conciliation period.
Ambulance Employees Australia State Secretary Steve McGhie said paramedics are delighted to have won decent rest breaks and fairer wages in the new three year agreement.
“Paramedics simply could not compromise on 10-hour rest-breaks, because compromising on rest breaks would have meant compromising on public and paramedic safety,” Mr McGhie said.
“Paramedics across the state are relieved and delighted that Premier Brumby and his government have finally seen fit to give paramedics decent rest breaks and fairer wages.”
“This is not just a win for paramedic safety, this is a win for the safety of all Victorians. The Victorian public knows how important this issue is, and we thank them for their overwhelming support throughout the campaign. Their support has been vital in winning this agreement.”
If an agreement had not been reached last night, the dispute would have gone to compulsory arbitration. A resolution through arbitration could have taken nine months. There would have been no guarantee of 10-hour rest breaks being introduced.
“The fact that this government has forced paramedics to fight for such a simple condition as decent rest breaks for 15 long months is a disgrace,” Mr McGhie said.
“Especially when their own advice in a leaked April email showed they knew that they would have to give paramedics 10 hour rest-breaks anyway.”
Across Victoria, thousands of supporters signed petitions, emailed the health minister, called talkback radio and campaigned online.
“The public can rest assured that their support has been crucial in creating a safer, better ambulance service for all Victorians,” Mr McGhie said.
“The introduction of 10-hour rest breaks will result in a safer ambulance service, with ambos allowed enough time to get a decent sleep between shifts and return to work fresh.”
“Fairer pay will help attract new ambos and retain the incredibly high calibre of paramedics we already have in Victoria.”
Paramedics around the state will have an opportunity to discuss the draft agreement in the coming weeks. A vote will be held in about six weeks.
