The NSW Government has made an offer for this year’s pay rise, which is distinct and totally separate to the ongoing fight for paramedic professional recognition. 

The offer for AMBULANCE AWARDS (backdated to 1 July) - 4% plus .5% super.

HOSPITAL CLASSIFICATION AWARDS - 4% OR an alternative offer of a $3502 increase to base pay across all HSU hospital classifications (this offer is NOT being made in Ambulance due to complications of multi-union involvement) plus .5% super.

The government has also offered to stop stealing 10% of all HSU-covered Health Worker’s salary packaging benefits (including Ambulance) this year. This would mean members receiving 60% of their salary packaging tax benefits. They currently have no further commitment to stop the steal.

The above is not being ‘sold’ to members and in the coming weeks there will be a vote on accepting it, or rejecting it and fighting for more.

On the professional recognition front – the government is reconvening the professional pay taskforce with the first meeting scheduled for 1000 this Thursday 13 July. ADHSU delegates will attend and hear what the MoH finally has to say. Bear in mind ADHSU delegates provided the MoH with a list of requirements way back in September/November last year, including a very reasonable demand for equal pay with similar Health Professionals already in the NSW system.

The outcome of this Thursday’s task force meeting will be reported to a stop work meeting on Friday morning. 

At this point in time, it is so important to congratulate all members on their action leading into the election and the first 100 days of the new Government. It is only through proud ADHSU members’ actions that we are in a position to consider rejecting any offers and continue fighting.