United Voice News
LHMU says ambulance officers in Queensland will continue their fight for fair pay and conditions after a decision handed down in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) yesterday.
In the decision - handed down yesterday afternoon - the QIRC has ordered cumulative wage increases of around 20 percent for ambulance officers from when negotiations broke down in November 2008 up until October 2011.
The decision also includes across the board minimum wage increases plus additional payments based upon length of service, qualifications and experience.
It also provides ambulance officers with more sick leave.
Branch Secretary Gary Bullock acknowledged the arbitrated result was far in excess of the government’s wage offers, but say it falls short of the fair reward and recognition all ambulance personnel hoped for.
“While the decision handed down yesterday is much better than what the government was offering, it still falls short of the expectations and goals of our members,” Gary said.
“The QIRC determination embargoes the union from claiming further increases until after March 2012, but the union has vowed to continue its fight for better pay and conditions as soon as that embargo lifts.”
LHMU and the State Government have been in arbitration since negotiations for an EBA broke down in November 2008, when State Government refused to negotiate around the union’s claims.
PRESS CONFERENCE
What: LHMU Organiser Kroy Day to comment on outcome
When: 13 July 2010, 10.30am
Where: LHMU Foyer, 27 Peel Street, South Brisbane
Contact: Edwina Freeme, 0410 631 404
