HUNDREDS of paramedics and their supporters gathered at the Sunshine Ambulance Station on Friday to protest against the latest pay deal offer from Ambulance Victoria and the State Government.
Ambulance Employees Australia Victoria general secretary Steve McGhie – from the paramedics’ union – said the pay deal offer would effectively amount to around $1 per week and cut entitlements like sick pay and holidays.
Paramedics who work in the Brimbank and Melton municipalities spoke to Star at last week’s rally.
Among them, Luke Baird and Jarrod Freckleton who described the Ambulance Victoria pay offer as “insulting”.
Mr Baird said in his seven shifts between 18 February and last Friday, he did almost 10 hours over time and had five late meal breaks.
Mr Freckleton said he had up to nine late meal breaks in the last fortnight despite working 10 hour day shifts and 14 hour night shifts.
“Part of the pay offer they’ve given us so far is they wanted to extend the hours for when they have to give us meal breaks and already they’re not meeting that timeframe,” Mr Baird said.
Mr Freckleton said this could “have a huge impact on paramedic’s fatigue levels”.
“Obviously when you’re driving and treating patients, there is no room for mistakes because you’re dealing with people’s lives,” Mr Baird said.
The paramedics revealed the recently-built Hillside Ambulance Station has potential occupational health and safety issues.
“Wires are hanging out of the walls covered with electrical tape,” one paramedic said.
They also said the 40-year-old Sunshine Ambulance Station still has unresolved issues with asbestos, a lack of beds for night-shift officers and security.
Mr McGhie said some paramedics have been refusing to work in Sunshine and 15 times last year, ambulances at the branch could not be staffed.
A Hillside-based paramedic, who asked to remain anonymous, also spoke to Star last Friday.
“Many experienced paramedics from both the Hillside and Delahey stations, have already indicated they will be forced to seek alternative employment, should government force this offer on us,” he said.
“We will do this, simply to be able to survive financially.”
