Paramedics are once again taking industrial action over resourcing and workplace conditions, with members of the Australian Paramedics Association (NSW) set to refuse all ‘staff movements’ for the duration of tomorrow’s day shifts and night shifts at stations all around the state.
“Paramedics signing on tomorrow will refuse to travel from their designated station to help plug roster holes elsewhere”, said APA (NSW) President Chris Kastelan.
“We’re taking action to demand a better resourced service. We want a fairer workplace for Paramedics, and improved coverage and care for our communities.
“We’ll still show up, care for patients, and respond to Triple Zero calls. Our action quite deliberately targets underresourcing from NSW Ambulance, without compromising care to patients or communities.”
The union has been calling for increased staffing, improved pay, and investment in referral networks and specialist Paramedic programs to reduce strain across an overburdened healthcare system.
“Of comparable states, NSW has the worst Paramedic to population ratio, and worst spending per capita. Our ambulance response times have worsened by more than 40% during the last decade. Something has got to change,” said Mr Kastelan.
“We urgently need another 1500 Paramedics just to bring staffing ratios in line with other states.
“The Government needs to step up, listen to frontline workers, and invest in better outcomes.”
Tomorrow’s action is the second time this year Paramedics have refused to undertake staff movements for a 24 hour window.
This time, unlike in February, the union has received an industrial dispute notification from NSW Ambulance, who made a last-minute filing late Friday afternoon to seek a hearing over the action.
APA (NSW) will attend compulsory conferencing at the NSW Industrial Relations Commission tomorrow at 11am.
Meanwhile, the action will commence as day shift crews clock in from 6:15 at stations around NSW.
“We’re disappointed that the Government is seeking to oppose collective action from health workers, instead of listening and acting to improve standards of care,” said Mr Kastelan.
“NSW deserves a first-class ambulance service, and frontline staff deserve better conditions.”
Paramedics statewide have been chalking ambulances to support the action and broadcast their demands. Images or photo ops by request.
