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Whilst we are very supportive of the long overdue recognition of some of the systems failures, we will not be minions and deflect from the real story.

Effectively AV, ESTA and the Government have watched the system operating for many pre-Covid years with the fuel light flashing and now that the system has run out of fuel they want to be seen as the heroes for turning up with a jerry can. People are not burnt out because of Covid alone, most are burnt out because they were already being asked to sacrifice more and more to achieve KPI’s that were not achievable with the resourcing.

So excuse me for not kowtowing to the government when they make an announcement to fix an underperforming system that has caused numerous deaths and ruined many careers through overwork and management intimidation.

The Victorian public and healthcare workers deserve better than a funding system that must get to crisis point before real action is taken.

In recent days influential leaders in health have flagged the failure of both major federal political parties to commit to transformational change to the sector.

Across the country the cracks in the health system have turned into chasms with COVID-19 pushing the system beyond the limits of sustainability.

So why is the health sector not a bigger political issue leading into the election?

In short, the finger can be pointed at those who benefit from deflecting from their own failures. To read more click HERE.

This week the AEAV will represent members in the first Enterprise Bargaining meeting for NPT workers.

The AEAV has consulted with members and prepared a log of claims.

Members have spoken about the disparities between the public and private sector and we look forward to advocating for improved conditions and wages for our members.

Last week we finally got a response from AV, 5 months after it was promised.

And in something akin to an episode of “Yes, Minister” the response stated ““The entitlement to progression is based on the number of years an employee has remained employed in that classification as opposed to years worked.”

Last Friday we received an email from the Dept of Health advising that the matter is sitting with their Industrial Relations Team and that they are in discussions with AV.

If you are a Rosters team member who has been seconded at some point you may have been underpaid. It is not too late to be added to the claim so give us a call on 9287 1713 or email us at [email protected]

Here we now are in May and yet Surge still exists. Effectively they said
there’s no need to water your plants in January because rain is expected in March. And now it’s May and it still hasn’t rained.

And this is the same government that claims to be the saviour of paramedics. Spare me!!

Now the question is, will these senior managers be held to account?

We will keep you informed.

The Victorian State Budget was announced on Tuesday with ESTA set to receive $333 million to increase emergency call-taking and dispatching.

While this is a welcome investment to the service which has been running on empty long before the pandemic, there are questions about how ESTA will boost trainers and mentors to support an influx of new staff.

Historically, attrition rates at ESTA have been high and this investment in staff requires adequate support to see those new staff members succeed at ESTA.

A significant portion of the meeting was taken up by delegates expressing concern about the inadequate frequency of the UCC meetings and the time allocated by ESTA for the meeting itself. It was put to ESTA that these arrangements are indicative of a lack of empathy towards staff and a complete disregard for the concerns of members. ESTA appear to have adopted the position that only the employer is the repository of all relevant knowledge and that staff have nothing significant to contribute about their own workplace. Additionally, ESTA have deemed that staff concerns are only worthy of a 3 hour meeting each quarter.

One of the benefits of being an AEAV member is that you can access a free will from Maurice Blackburn.

Click here for details.

When completing the form, don’t forget that the AEAV is part of the UWU, so when you select your union, select UWU Vic.

Little Susie, a six-year-old, complained, “Mum, I’ve got a stomach ache.”

“That’s because your stomach is empty,” the mother replied. “You would feel better if you had something in it.”

That afternoon, her father came complaining that he had a severe headache all day. Susie perked up, “That’s because it’s empty,” she said. “You’d feel better if you had something in it.”

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.

Brett Adie – AEAV Secretary