The Queensland Government and the United Workers Union have struck an in-principle agreement for a new certified agreement for the state’s ambulance officers that will deliver wage growth and enhanced conditions for paramedics.
The in-principle agreement includes a guaranteed 8% increase to wages, (3%, 2.5%, 2.5%), and allowances over three years, with additional wage increases through a CPI Uplift Adjustment if triggered.
It includes allowances designed to attract, retain and recognise paramedics and other hard-working operational employees to rural and remote locations, as well as recognise and reward employees working unsociable night shifts.
Queensland Ambulance Services Commissioner Craig Emery said the constructive bargaining meetings demonstrated that all parties are aligned in looking after frontline staff.
“We are very pleased to have presented an offer to the United Workers Union that their members are supportive of. We have already commenced drafting the new agreement to ensure the wage rises and other improvements will flow to our people as soon as possible,” Commissioner Emery said.
“Our Paramedics, Patient Transport Officers and Emergency Medical Dispatchers are working incredibly hard to meet healthcare demands across Queensland.
“To have a certified agreement that has a strong focus on staff wellbeing and safety was incredibly important to both the QAS and the UWU and we’re very grateful to the union for good faith, collaborative bargaining to reach in-principle agreement for the future wellbeing of our frontline staff.”
United Workers Union Ambulance Coordinator Fiona Scalon said in-principle agreement was reached after a member survey confirmed the offer should be endorsed.
“Throughout this entire process, members’ voices have been central – from shaping claims, to putting arguments directly at the bargaining table, and in meetings with the Minister for Health and Ambulance,” Ms Scalon said.
“We’re pleased to reach an in-principle agreement with Queensland Ambulance Service, which recognises the importance of ambulance workers and provides commitments to better support them.”
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls commended both the Queensland Ambulance Service and the United Workers Union for negotiating in good faith to reach an agreement that will deliver timely and fair outcomes for all staff.
“This deal means better outcomes for our hardworking paramedics right across the State, but also our other key ambulance workers such as Patient Transport Officers, who ensure a safe and stable journey between health facilities and home, and our Triple Zero Emergency Medical Dispatchers,” Minister Nicholls said.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering health services when you need them with more ambulances back on the road sooner, and reducing ambulance ramping through the fully-funded Hospital Rescue Plan.
“The Queensland Ambulance Service truly symbolises the spirit of this State and the Crisafulli Government is committed to supporting our frontline first-responders.”
