eBulletin

15 June 2023

AV

MEMBERS STILL IN DANGER

After threatening to take AV to the Fair Work Commission for failure to honour terms of the current EA to reconvene the Alcohol and Other Drugs Working Group (AOD Group), AV agreed to consult with the AEAV/UWU and other interested parties their proposed changes to the Alcohol and Other Drugs policy.

Whilst the Union agrees with the changes to the AOD policy as they are consistent with those stated in Victorian public sector, the Union has made it clear that AV has failed to make any meaningful changes to the AOD procedure as per our recommendations made in our submission in April 2021.

Despite scientific evidence provided, AV are refusing to recognise the links between nonnegative AOD test results and exposure to drugs in the workplace, particularly ketamine. This failure to recognise genuine workplace hazards such as these, puts members in jeopardy whereby they could face termination of their employment due to an adverse AOD test result.

Upon universal outrage from AEAV and other parties, management has agreed to relay our position to the executive with the suggestion that a new group be formed and a clearer terms of reference is established to facilitate the attendance of subject matter experts.

If you would like to learn read out submission you can do so here.

ARE YOU ON TRACK FOR CPD HOURS?

A reminder to paramedics that AHPRA’s deadline for registration is less than six months away. So why not utilise Talisium, the online learning provider to get ahead with your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours?

Talisium is a massive library of free and paid-for clinical and non-clinical micro-skills courses from some of the world’s most respected professionals and is FREE with your union membership.

If you would like to know more, contact [email protected]

ESTA

ESTA YIELDS TO AEAV/UWU DEMANDS FOR MoU EXTENTION

Unions have pushed ESTA to extend the MoU until 31 July 2023, with staggered reductions to follow, in order for individuals and families to financially prepare.

The MoU was due to expire on 30 June 2023. However, on 10 May 2023, in a bargaining meeting with ESTA, delegates raised concerns that the impending expiry did not give staff adequate time to prepare for the decrease in wages, particularly given that many staff did not know that the MoU was only ever a temporary arrangement.

On 7 June 2023, after mounting pressure from our delegates, ESTA acknowledged that a staggered reduction of penalties and allowances, to return pre-MoU conditions was needed.

This is how the staggered reductions will occur.

•  31 July 2023 – MoU in its current form expires
• 1 August 2023 – September 30 – MoU surge allowances reduced by 50%.
• 1 October 2023 – MoU ceases in its entirety

This is an important win for Union members!

This also demonstrates the importance of member and delegate-led unionism where it is those with lived experience who are the ones talking to management about the implications of the Executive’s decisions. If it weren’t for members talking to AEAV delegates, and responding to mass text messages expressing their concerns, Organisers would not be able to relay concerns to management and would not have achieved such a positive outcome!

If you’d like to know more about the MoU please read our information sheet HERE.

ESTA BARGAINING

With the impending expiry of the current EBA less than a month away, bargaining meetings have been ramped up to once a week. Both ESTA and Unions have agreed to focus on achieving some principle agreement around safe staffing levels and a classification structure that reflects the experience and skill sets of all ESTA employees.

FACEBOOK MEMBERS’ PAGE

AEAV/UWU delegates are asking members to join the Facebook page so that issues can be raised, discussed, and tackled in a safe space. Yes, we have to start from scratch, but this gives an opportunity to establish a new group that aligns with good union values, that speaks truth to power, is inclusive and supportive, and leaves no one behind.

The administrators and moderators will ensure that interactions are courteous and relevant. Please join the page here and become a part of the voice for change!

END THE SILENCE! SHARING STORIES WITH MPs

It’s 2023 and women are still being silenced in workplaces. Too often women experience gendered violence and sexual harassment at work. Too often women are forced to sign non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, forcing women into silence.

To end sexual harassment at work, the silence needs to end and workers need to hold employers accountable. By sharing collective experiences, members can win better workplaces for women.

That’s why AEAV/UWU officials and delegates will join other unionists in a call to end the misuse the Non-Disclosure agreements (NDAs).

You can sign the petition here.

On Thursday, 22 June working women from different industries and Unions will be calling upon MPs for legislation that would restrict Non-Disclosure Agreements in all but exceptional circumstances.

If you’d like to be a part of the campaign, contact [email protected]

OR if you would like to learn more about NDAs, click here.

KEEP IN TOUCH

As always, if you have any issues, questions or queries, get in touch by leaving a message on 9287 1713 or email [email protected]

And most importantly, please stay safe out there.

In solidarity,

Your AEAV team