The State Government has welcomed a decision by the Ambulance Employees Association of SA (AEA) to cease industrial action while it engages in mediation with the Government in the SA Employment Tribunal.
Treasurer Rob Lucas said the development, which came into effect this morning, was a 'step in the right direction' as the Government seeks to resolve the ongoing industrial dispute with the union.
"The Government welcomes the decision by the ambulance union to cease industrial action while both parties engage in mediation in the SA Employment Tribunal," said Mr Lucas.
"As we have indicated publicly, the Government remains willing to provide further additional resources to the ambulance service so long as the union agrees to sensible industrial reforms, such as reducing 12-hour shifts to 8 and 10-hour shifts, and taking meal breaks at the nearest station rather than driving past 3 or 4 stations to return to a home station.
"We remain of the view that the only way to resolve this industrial dispute is for there to be compromise on both sides.
"The Government has demonstrated its willingness to compromise and now the union must also commit to compromise.
"The Government has always been willing to negotiate fairly and sensibly with the union, in the interests of hardworking paramedics and all South Australians, as we strive to further improve our ambulance service."
The Government and union attended mediation on Friday and both parties will return again on Wednesday.
