Australian Paramedics Association (NSW) members are taking industrial action from midday today in response to the NSW Government's 1.04% wage increase offer, which would see Paramedics' wages go backwards in real terms.
In April, the NSW Government offered Paramedics this 1.04% pay increase in place of the normal 2.5% increase received annually by all public sector workers. APA (NSW) members voted almost unanimously to reject the offer.
"This pathetic wage offer does not even keep our wages in line with inflation" said APA (NSW) Assistant Secretary Alan O'Riordan.
"For all their talk about valuing frontline workers, it has never been clearer that this government simply has no respect for us or the work we do."
APA (NSW) members have now voted to take industrial action.
For 48 hours, beginning at midday on Monday, Paramedics will chalk ambulances and refuse to report on the KPIs that they say NSW Ambulance values more than Paramedics themselves.
"For too long, this Government has given us empty thanks for the work we've done.
"Every year, and particularly this last year, we gained more skills and learnt more protocols in order to keep our families, neighbours, and communities safe. For the NSW Government to turn around and offer us 1.04% is nothing short of a kick in the teeth," Mr O'Riordan said.
"I have never seen our workforce this tired, angry or upset."
The union says that APA (NSW) members are willing to escalate their action if the Government does not come to the table.
