Ambulance paramedics and communications officers vote for EB offer

AMBULANCE PARAMEDICS AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS HAVE VOTED TO ACCEPT A REVISED ENTERPRISE BARGAINING OFFER MADE BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT OVER THE PAST WEEK.

Ambulance members have accepted the Government offer that has gone some way to addressing two long standing industrial issues that have become a serious concern to members over recent years. These are the ability of employees to take meal breaks and continued concerns regarding the notice period when rosters are distributed to employees. There is still some further detail to be provided in relation to a change in the operation of the Statewide Communications Centre.

Tim Jacobson, HACSU Assistant State Secretary said, “Ambulance Tasmania has realised that our members take these issues very seriously and have resolved the previous impasse in negotiations by making an offer that will see the concerns of our members addressed. Our members are hard working professionals who provide an essential emergency service to the community and they deserve to have a break during their shifts and to be able to plan their lives outside of work. ”

The Industrial Action affected Ambulance revenue raising and internal administrative functions, however caused no disruption to services. HACSU Ambulance members are relieved that the dispute was resolved without the need to escalate Industrial action. The offer made by the Government sees an increase of the meal allowance, a commitment to ensure members are afforded a break and a 100% increase to the period for roster notification.

Mr Jacobson said “We welcome the Government making a serious offer to our members, especially putting an end to the dispute before the busy Christmas period.”
Tim Jacobson, HACSU Assistant State Secretary