Thursday, November 17, 2011

Air ambulance pay dispute

A pay dispute between Ambulance Tasmania and its helicopter paramedics is heading to the industrial commission.

Air ambulance paramedics say the penalty rate they receive on top of the base wage does not compensate for the extra pressure involved with their job.

The health union has been negotiating with Ambulance Tasmania to increase the rate an additional $3.20 per hour, but talks have stalled.

Richard Bugg, one of the state's 10 helicopter paramedics, wants their extra training and workload to be recognized.

"To perform on the helicopter, there's certain requirements."

"It's partly about recognition for the service that we provide and some remuneration for the time and effort that we put in to maintaining our skills and knowledge to do the job."

"It's quite technical and quite involved and it's not just something somebody can just step up to and do," he said.

Paramedics say they will boycott vital training on Monday if the issue is not resolved in the commission today.

Ambulance Tasmania says industrial action is unnecessary and outside the enterprise bargaining agreement the union signed less than 18 months ago.

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