Victoria’s paramedics have stepped up industrial motion as negotiations over a brand new settlement drag on.
Victorian Ambulance Union members voted to implement 70 new work bans, which embody now not reserving taxis for sufferers and utilizing digital techniques for remedy checks or to trace gear.
The union insists the motion will not affect affected person security and as an alternative centered on administrative duties.
Secretary Danny Hill mentioned it was disappointing the union wanted to extend motion however after 99 negotiation conferences his members nonetheless do not have an settlement that will assist obtain a greater work-life steadiness or encourage employees to remain within the job.
“Labor boasts its credentials on supporting ambos. Enterprise bargaining is the place they should put their cash the place their mouth is,” Mr Hill mentioned.
“In the end paramedics need to cut back the quantity of extra time they’re compelled to work day-after-day.
“However (Ambulance Victoria) will not allow them to go dwelling, not as a result of they’re responding to emergencies, they’re responding to low acuity instances or ramped for hours in hospital corridors”.
Since March, paramedics have scribbled slogans and stopped amassing affected person billing particulars beneath the primary part of their industrial motion.
The union served a log of claims on Ambulance Victoria on February 1 2023, with improved sick depart, a pay improve, extra time entitlements and journey allowances amongst key requests.
A number of outstanding well being and emergency companies unions have threatened or staged industrial motion in Victoria prior to now 12 months.
Late final week, Victoria’s police union secured a shift to a nine-day fortnight in an in-principle settlement was struck with the power following 12 months of negotiations.
Final month, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation members voted towards the suggestions of their union leaders and rejected a renewed pay provide from the state authorities.
The Victorian authorities and Ambulance Victoria have been contacted for remark.
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