In the last few weeks rumours started circulating around AV that the PCU had been disbanded. This was a recommendation of Volume 1 of the VEOHRC review. The recommendations were that a new department be created which reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer role. Consultation is expected to commence very soon on how this new unit will operate.
Last week we had it confirmed by AV that the PCU has effectively ceased to exist and that the Specialist Support Unit would pick up outstanding matters. We stressed to AV the need to communicate this to staff. Surely it is better that a statement and transition plan is published rather than allowing the rumour mill to control the narrative. And what about those that have outstanding matters with the PCU who are left wondering what is happening.
The term “radical transparency“ has been thrown around recently as a consequence of the VEOHRC recommendations. Not sure where the transparency is when AV makes decisions like this without informing staff directly or even the unions.
AV – ROSTERS STAFF UNDERPAID
Last week we wrote to the Health Minister on behalf of Rosters members asking him to intervene on a matter we have been attempting to resolve with AV since November. Members at Rosters have detailed years of what we believe are underpayments of wages. The issue stems from AV’s refusal to pay increments to staff because they are seconded, not substantive. We have advised the Health Minister that if this matter is not resolved in the short term we may commence proceedings at the FWC and the Wage Theft Inspectorate.
The document has been redacted where necessary to maintain confidentiality of members.
AV – FTS PETITION
Soon we will be sending a petition completed by the majority of full-time staff at Financial Transactional Services team to the A/CEO of AV, Libby Murphy. The petition calls on Libby Murphy to intervene on the independent review of their wage classifications. Despite agreeing to the review in September 2021, AV have dragged their feet and the FTS members are no closer to having transparency over their banding than they were in September. This is another area of the organisation that has been ignored for too many years.
ESTA – DATA ACCESS
The union has worked through 13 of the 37 data set requests for writing our submission for the Staffing Review into ESTA 000.
Union Delegate Sharyne Doensen has been powering through the data and coffee to make sure the union’s submission and recommendations are evidenced through statistical proof.
Next time you see Sharyne at work be sure to ask her about what she’s found!
AMBULANCE ACTIVE
The Autumn 2022 edition of Ambulance Active is out now.
Special mention of the article by our newest organiser and former AV Paramedic, Darren Law.
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
The Council of Ambulance Authorities is offering a Women in Leadership scholarship to encourage more women to step into leadership roles and to support the further development of current women leaders in the Ambulance Services Sector.
Applications opened on the 28th of March 2022 and close on 3rd of June 2022. Applicants must submit the application to [email protected] as a Microsoft Word File, titled with the applicants’ full name.
AV – VEOHRC REVIEW
If you haven’t done so already, we would suggest all AV employees at least read the Executive Summary and the 43 recommendations from the VEOHRC review.
You can find a summary and links to the relevant materials here.
JOKE OF THE WEEK
An elderly man was driving on the highway. His wife calls him on his mobile and in a worried voice says, ”Herman, be careful! I just heard on the radio that there is a madman driving the wrong way on Route 280!” Herman says, ”I know, but there isn’t just one, there are hundreds!”
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]
