Australian Paramedics Association (NSW) members will proceed with industrial action as planned until tomorrow morning, despite recommendations made by the IRC this afternoon as the result of a last-minute attempt by the Government to stop the action.
“The Commission recommended that we take off our action, which members have been undertaking since this morning” said APA (NSW) President Chris Kastelan.
“We will be continuing with our action despite this recommendation, because our members have little confidence that NSW Ambulance is ready to address our concerns.
“Paramedics are taking action because we want real change from this Government.
“We haven’t seen that change yet, so our action is continuing as planned.”
Since crews signed on this morning, Paramedics around NSW have been taking action by refusing all ‘staff movement’: the movement of crews away from their designated station once on shift. These movements are routinely used to patch over roster shortfalls due by under-resourcing.
The industrial action will continue as planned until tomorrow morning.
“We respect that the Industrial Relations Commission has a job to do, but we also have a job to do, and that’s to advocate for our safety and the safety of our communities. We can’t let this crisis continue”, said Mr Kastelan.
“Today’s attempt to silence us through industrial instruments demonstrates that this Government is desperate to stem the rising tide of frontline voices calling for a better resourced healthcare system. “We’re disappointed and frustrated that the Government would rather try to block out our voices than act on our demands.”
APA (NSW) have not ruled out further action should the Government fail to genuinely engage with the union.
The union is demanding a genuine pay increase, 1500 additional Paramedics, and a massive investment in specialist Paramedic programs and referral networks, to improve community care and reduce the burden on the hospital system.
Representatives
