For months the media has focused on the health crisis and the impact on the public. It is time we turn this around and look at the health crisis affecting ambulance workers and healthcare workers more broadly.
The sector is beyond breaking point now with many staff at AV, ESTA and non-emerg no longer able to bear the load anymore. Years of contempt for staff across these organisations has led to where we are today. A workforce that has seen conditions traded away for a few more dollars in your pocket to achieve the governments targets. Targets which could only be achieved by treating workers as nothing more than a “bum on a seat” and driving them harder and harder.
In a conversation with an AV senior manager recently I was surprised to hear their thoughts that the AV model of relying on OT was unsustainable and destined to fail. Also, the insight that money isn’t everything and that most people these days want to work to live, not live to work. Values have shifted for many people however AV, ESTA and the government have been led to believe that staff will just suck it up for a few extra dollars. It was a breath of fresh air to finally hear this level of insight from someone with some clout in AV.
With both AV and ESTA to commence EB negotiations within the next 12 months, it is time we protected and improved conditions, make these careers sustainable long term and stop sacrificing physical and mental wellbeing.
HEALTH OF AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND PARAMEDICS
AEAV member and former AV Paramedic Simon Sawyer has published an article on the health issues for Australian and New Zealand paramedics.
Governments and employers need to work harder to protect essential workers. Recommended reading for all paramedics.
Recently we wrote to AV requesting a review of the Mercer classifications for the Commencing Practice team. AV has refused to organise an external review and effectively asked members to just trust that AV have looked after them when they reviewed their classifications in 2020. Once again the opaque Mercer system leaves members unsure of whether they are being paid appropriately for the work they do. Time to get rid of the archaic Mercer system and move to a modern version, as is the case for those covered by the Management & Admin Agreement.
We are working with the Commencing Practice team to develop a case for a review.
Last week the FTS team engaged directly with Mercer in a review of their banding classifications. Initially Mercer were only going to speak with managers about roles and responsibilities but after some lobbying by AEAV a communication pathway was devised for staff to provide information directly to Mercer. We look forward to hearing the outcomes. And even if it doesn’t result in a change in banding at least the team know that their positions have been reviewed by an external party.
AV – 8/6 BRANCH ROSTERS – Is the new model fit for purpose?
Since the inception of the 8/6 branch dual paramedic model in 2017, a number of impacted paramedics and ACO’s have attempted to voice their concerns. Many are frustrated that they have not been heard. As the model continues to get rolled out around the state it is timely to consider whether the model is achieving what it set out to achieve and whether it is at a cost to the community and the staff.
You can read more HERE and also find contact points for having your say.
AV – KEN LAY CORREPONDENCE
Last eBulletin we provided an email exchange with Ken Lay, Chair of AV Board.
Our letter was quite confrontational.
Mr Lay has since responded and you can find the complete exchange HERE.
ESTA UPDATE
The union has been in two meetings with ESTA regarding the next MOU and so far, the union is still unclear about what ESTA would like within the MOU.
At the last MOU meeting it was agreed that ESTA and unions would discuss the following issues moving forward:
How ESTA will consult with unions and staff on workplace changes
Rostering for “peak demand” times
Training and mentoring of new staff
Rewarding staff for their work through workload demand
Staff wellbeing
If you have any suggestions that you would like to add, contact Organiser Lauren on 0425 755 903
NPT BARGAINING
The second meeting of NPT Bargaining occurred on 24 May.
You can read more HERE and find links to the log of claims and past meeting updates.
WORKSITE INVESTIGATIONS
An investigation has commenced into the restriction changes for AP12’s. The AEAV has submitted the request after numerous members voiced their concerns about the changes which officially came into effect on Monday. The request re contacting staff between nightshifts is being prepared and will be lodged shortly.
If you want to be involved you can contact us on 9287 1713 and leave a message or email at [email protected]
REPORTING INCIDENTS
A reminder to all members to lodge health and safety reports with your employer as soon as practicable.
You can also report workplace health and safety concerns and potential exposures to Ketamine HERE.
AEAV MEMBERS SPEAK OUT TO MEDIA
This week one of our members spoke to The Drum on the ABC regarding the current situation on road. You can access the full article. The quote attributable to our member was:
“Shifts are just so long. I don’t know what is worse, 25 patients a night or just 2 patients. With those 2 patients you stand in ED for 4 hours. And you’re standing there in the corridor managing their pain. It’s embarrassing.”
AEAV membership entitles you to discounted psychometric coaching through the Institute of Psychometric Coaching (IPC). Many of our members have already used this service and done very well out of it. With AV in particular expanding the use of Psychometric Testing, to progress at all you will need to do the test.
A 7 year-old and a 4 year-old are in their bedroom.
“You know what?” says the 7 year-old, “I think it’s time we started swearing. When we go downstairs for breakfast, I’ll swear first, then you.”
“Okay,” replies the 4 year-old.
In the kitchen, when the mother asks the 7 year-old what he wants for breakfast, he answers, “I’ll have Coco Pops, bitch.”
Mum yells “That’s it, no Xbox for you for a month.”
The 7 year old bursts into tears. The mother looks at the 4 year-old & sternly asks, “And what do you want?” “Dunno,” he replies, “But it won’t be fucking Coco Pops!”
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]
