AMBULANCE WORKERS ARE ANGERED THAT THE GOVERNMENT DENIES AMBULANCE WORKERS A PAY INCREASE BASED ON THEIR SUCCESSFUL WORK VALUE CASE – BUT IS WILLING TO HAND A WAGE INCREASE TO DOCTORS.
Paramedics are increasingly angered by the Governments approach to Industrial Relations.
In April 2014 the Tasmanian Industrial Commission determined a Wage Value Arbitration Case for Tasmanian Paramedics. The outcome from that Arbitration was to award up to 14.1% pay rise to Paramedics.
This decision recognised the change in the value of the work they perform. The decision acknowledged the additional skills and qualifications now required for front-line pre-hospital emergency situations.
Mr Tim Jacobson, State secretary of the Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) said “The Tasmanian Liberal government chose to appeal the decision of the independent umpire, the Tasmanian Industrial Commission, not because of the merits of the case, but based on legal technicality.
“Today we hear that the Hodgman Liberal Government will not appeal the Doctors Wage Value Determination. It’s fair to say our Members are furious about the inconsistency that means one set of professional achieves recognition, but not another,” Mr. Jacobson said.
“If the decision to appeal was based on merits of the case, then we could understand the difference.
“However this government hands doctors chocolate – whilst forcing Paramedics to suck lemons!”
Regardless of the front page headlines in April last year not one cent of the determination has flowed to Paramedics.
The last pay rise for Tasmanian Paramedics was 2% in December 2013, with back pay of 2% to December 2012.
“Despite Government rhetoric, Ambulance Members have acted fiscally responsibly for many years; in line with Government wages policies. But it’s fair to say that our Members are increasingly frustrated about the delays.” said Mr Jacobson.
“Our Members are currently subjected to a Government enforced pay freeze and Ambulance Tasmania employees are under pressure about job cuts.
“We don’t rule any industrial action in or out. We will conduct Membership meetings to discuss the governments hypocrisy with our Members and seek their direction on how they want to take this matter forward.”
HACSU STATE SECRETARY TIM JACOBSON
