New pay deal struck for Victoria’s paramedics, with more than 50 improvements
A new pay deal for Victorian paramedics was struck overnight, putting an end to threats of industrial action. Here’s some of the added benefits workers will receive.
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A new pay deal has been struck for Victoria’s paramedics, averting threatened industrial action.
The in-principle agreement was locked in overnight, with Victorian Ambulance Union secretary Danny Hill saying it would deliver “over 50 improvements” to paramedic wages and conditions.
The deal gives paramedics annual pay rises of 2 per cent, plus “additional incentives that support ongoing professional development”.
Paramedics will also receive a new “unsociable shift payment”, and their childcare expenses will be reimbursed if incurred as the result of unplanned overtime.
Other benefits include paid Defence Force leave, an extra four weeks of paid parental leave for primary caregivers, and extra career progression support with improved training and mentoring.
In January, the Herald Sun revealed the union was ready to launch industrial action and was willing to reprise its tactics during a bitter fight with the former Liberal government in 2014, including writing campaign messages on ambulances.
The union had been willing to accept the government’s 2 per cent cap on annual pay rises — but had wanted a new wage structure to deliver salary boosts to more experienced paramedics.
Ambulance Services Minister Jenny Mikakos said the government was “so proud of our inspirational paramedics and the demanding work they do every day”.
“That’s why we’re giving them the pay and conditions they deserve, so they can continue doing what they do best — saving Victorian lives,” she said.
Mr Hill said the deal was a “good overall package” for paramedics, who were pleased to avoid launching industrial action.
The “unsociable shift payment” will deliver extra cash to paramedics who work afternoon or night shifts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, which are typically the most difficult to fill.
Mr Hill said the agreement would also see the recruitment of 117 new paramedics brought forward to cover “resourcing gaps”, particularly outside of Melbourne.
Paramedics will now be offered further incentives to work in rural and regional communities, including financial help to relocate and to pay off study debts, as well as fixed transition plans so that staff have clear timelines to return to Melbourne.
While the Victorian Ambulance Union had wanted a three-year agreement, Mr Hill said the four-year deal included a “strong renegotiation clause” which means bargaining for a new agreement will start 12 months before this deal expires.
Paramedics will have to vote on the in-principle agreement before the new pay and conditions changes are put in place.
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Despite anger from unions over its wages cap, the Andrews Government has also locked in a new pay deal with the Police Association and rolled over the agreement with the United Firefighters Union for another year.
It now faces a challenge to negotiate an agreement with the Community and Public Sector Union.