HACSU AMBULANCE MEMBERS HAVE BEEN OVERWHELEMED BY PUBLIC SUPPORT IN THEIR CALL FOR WAGE JUSTICE. TODAY THEY WILL TRY AND PRESENT HUNDREDS OF LETTERS OF SUPPORT TO THE HEALTH MINISTER.

In April 2014 Tasmanian Paramedics won a significant Work Value Case. The Tasmanian Industrial Commission determined that their work value had increased and awarded a 14.1% wage increase. Paramedics had not had their work assessed since 1989. Regardless of the front page headlines announcing the successful Wage Value case 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.

The Government continues to appeal the case, purely on legal technicalities.

“All our Members want is to be respected, and to have the same rules applied to them as the Government recently applied when they decided to honour the doctors wage case” said Tim Jacobson, State Secretary of the Health and Community Services Union (HACSU).

Last Friday Ambulance Members launched an online campaign with the hope of gathering 500 supporters for their cause. The number of signatories to the statement below exceeded 600 in just 4 days. “Dear Health Minister Michael Ferguson, I highly value the work of Tasmanian Paramedics. I believe they should be paid what they are worth. I ask you to withdraw your appeal against the decision of the Tasmanian Industrial Commission, and pass on the full wages adjustment of the Paramedic Work Value case. Paramedics are currently being paid 14% below what they are worth, and it is unacceptable.”

“Today we want to present to Minister Ferguson hundreds of letters of support that we have gathered in just a few days” Mr Jacobson said.

“Our Ambulance Members have been trying to confirm a meeting with the Health Minister Michael Ferguson, but so far he has denied them that courtesy.

“Paramedics want Minister Ferguson to explain why his government thinks they do not deserve to be paid properly. They also want to show the Minister that the public supports them in their call for wage justice.

“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.

“Tasmanians are sending a clear message to the Government – value our Paramedics and pay them what they are worth.”
HACSU STATE SECRETARY TIM JACOBSON