‘The outcomes of this survey should send a chill down every Territorian’: Union releases survey results on NT ambo concerns

Nearly three-quarters of Territory paramedics have applied for other jobs in the past year due to a lack of training, toxic work environment, inadequate fatigue management and more, according to a survey.

• Concerns for ‘fatiguing’ Katherine paramedic rosters

NEARLY three-quarters of Territory paramedics have applied for other jobs in the past year due to a lack of training, toxic work environment, inadequate fatigue management and more, according to a survey.

The survey by the United Workers Union NT, in which 147 members responded, explored the concerns of ambos across the Territory and found 72 per cent had applied for other jobs.

Key findings show 81 per cent “feel St John Ambulance NT puts profit motives before the fatigue of workers”, 78 per cent of staff feel welfare is ignored in regional centres “due to the current on-call rosters and the lack of fatigue management”, and 64 per cent feel there is a toxic workplace.

Forty-four per cent of participants say they have been “bullied, harassed or targeted by management because they engaged in protected industrial action during current enterprise agreement negotiations”.

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UWU NT secretary Erina Early said the survey should serve as a major wakeup call.

“We’ve had a large percentage of members who are not happy working for St John Northern Territory,” she said.

“They’re looking for work elsewhere, they’re fatigued, they’re exhausted, they don’t receive the correct training. They’re not happy with management. They’ve had enough.”

A further 78 per cent support bringing the ambulance service under the public sector, which the UWU NT has advocated for in recent years.

Paramedic and union delegate Humberto da Cruz said ambos were at their breaking point. “All too often at the moment, the workload is probably the highest I’ve ever seen it,” he said. “We are exhausted.”

In a statement, St John reassured Territorians the service was “well and truly fit for purpose”.

St John NT chief executive Judith Barker said she was disappointed UWU NT released findings from a survey of its members without first providing St John an opportunity to investigate the concerns.

“Our service is focused on the care and wellbeing of our staff and our community.

“We understand the crucial role our staff have played in the Northern Territory’s response to COVID-19, and reassure Territorians that their ambulance service is in safe hands.

“We have been in negotiation regarding our enterprise bargaining agreement with the United Workers Union since November 2018 and met with them more than 30 times.

“Our current offer provides a range of benefits valued at $2.57m including 10 per cent wage increase over four years, a sign-on bonus and back pay, a number of leave entitlements and professional development benefits.”

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