NSW Paramedics are casting their votes on action over resourcing and pay, with Australian Paramedics Association (NSW) members set to decide whether to implement statewide bans on staff movement.
APA (NSW) has today asked members for their say on industrial action endorsed by the Executive. If approved, Paramedics around NSW will refuse to undertake staff movements for 24 hours on February 17, in protest over under resourcing and poor pay and conditions.
In an email to members, the union outlined their concerns over leadership inaction:
“This pandemic should have been a wake up call. It has demonstrated the devastating consequences of an underfunded, poorly resourced, poorly paid workforce. Instead, the NSW Government has turned their back on us and have proved unwilling to take the decisive action needed to improve workload, conditions, and morale for Paramedics on the frontline.
It is time to make them listen, and to make sure our communities understand just how dire the circumstances are.”
Paramedics have until February 13 to decide whether to endorse the action.
Banning staff movements will prevent staff travelling from their home stations to fill ‘roster gaps’ nearby, a practice routinely used by NSW Ambulance to cut costs and avoid adequately staffing stations to meet community demand.
APA (NSW) has outlined a clear set of demands to improve welfare and morale for staff, as well as resourcing for NSW communities, telling members “We are taking action to demand:
– 1500 more Paramedics
– A real pay increase that reflects our professionalism and skill (in addition to a pandemic bonus and allowance)
A massive investment in specialist Paramedic programs and building robust referral networks state-wide.”
