Hi there, fellow ambo's.
How many times can we be shafted? Ripped off pay wise, ripped off workload wise, under-staffed, over-worked, treated like shit in general by management, not looked after by the State Government, not to mention a piss-weak union.
A few of us have put together this site to allow real ambos to have their say, unfiltered by bosses, governments or union reps. You can have your say, too, in the comments. Join in; we really want to hear from you (even if you disagree with what we say). You can also contact us at realambo.gmail.com.
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5,605 comments:
1 – 200 of 5605 Newer› Newest»About time too!!!
I agree big time! There has been some talk about changing unions, can that be done?Can anyone shed some light on that? I think it's time we were in a union that represents emergency service people not cleaners,radiographers and such like.I can't believe my sub branch voted to accept that bullshit 4%. I didn't want that and i'm sure the majority of us didn't,how can they do that shit?.Can we get together and tell our sub-branch to get that cancelled? I believe we should be taking strong industrial action now and not waiting. Nurses, Cops,got their pay rises what wrong with us? How about the media campaign for the nurses! T.V ads all the time. On the radio, now look at our piss-weak unions efforts, Stickers and other crap! I'm sick of being the nice guy and copping it sweet. Lets get together fellow ambo's and get what we deserve. The most trusted profession and the most ripped off! We deserve to be paid a professional wage. Don't sell your selves short. Time to get tough and be a solid strong unit!
I feel that we are well overdue for a change in union, however this would require at least 75% of the total state membership, i have been to a great number of meetings with the HSU some 2-3 years ago where the delegates main priority was that of hospital delay. Meanwhile as everyone would aware the service introduced the 3c level followed by P1 then EDM then ECP along with vast changes in skills etc, the introduction of new pharmacologies now the mental health act in which Officers are now required to under the new act search restrain patients if required. During the last 6 years i have seen many jobs in sirens that pertain to rozelle these positions have only had a title change but attract and extra 20,000-50,000 pa. Evidence for the on road staff is clear cut we have increased skills etc and the service along with the dept of health offers a pissy 4% i say fuck off and enough is enough, my sub brach was one of the two that told them to stick it up there arse but there are too many soft cocks in the HSU some of which have a political interest and we will never go forward whilst these grubs exsist.
Hi,
Where do we start, pathetic pay offer, no meals on night shifts, and investigation into the management asked for and it turns out that they will be investigating themselves what a joke on the lawn i say
capt eric
Where do you start, the mass meeting was an example not only of a piss weak HSU but equally its members, the HSU should do what we tell them to but when your members are soft cocks your pushing shit up hill, Ambo's will sook and winge alot but they won't look past there noses to see the benefits of industrial action down the track. An example would be for the sub branches on the 14 hour night shifts, it was suggested to take all meals off station ( which itself is not industrial action but working to your award entitlements ) this itself would take a shitload of cars off the road but pissweak ambo's think of the penalties they may miss out on instead of the fact the service would shit and be forced to meet certain demands.It wouldn't even last a week.
I heard the delegates phone link up when the HSU FORCED this interim deal down thier throats and I heard all but 2 Sub Branch delegates except it. Believing the bullshit from the HSU that it wasn't going to be heard till next April/May either way. What a load of crap. I believe if it would have been rejected and industrial action implemented it would have got heard alot sooner. The HSU has a regular habbit of expecting how the IRC will find and have been wrong just about every time.
It is also NO surprise it has lost momentum due to an upcoming election. The HSU seems out to get the CEO ( who I think is a little Fucking Mutt )but stops short of embarrassing thier Labour party FRIENDS. The HSU is so far up the LABOUR parties arse our monthly union bulliten is nothing more than a LABOUR party brochure with IR scare tactics.
And for the sub branch members who's delegates voted for the deal against your wishes call a meeting and give them the arse. It seems some of them are full of piss and wind, don't be afaid , fuck them off, or alternatively believe the bullshit twist on reality they tell you and be prepared to start the dance all over again next May.
You currently need 75% of the state to give the Union the arse, Unfortunately I believe there is greater then 25% soft cock component to our members so it won't happen.
both soth aust and vic use the aea (ambulance empolyees assoc.) these were formed as a result of what now is occuring here. members held a mass meeting and placed their money into a trust account until sufficiant funds were raised to purchase a house which was then converted into an office. then came office staff and an industrial officer. for the court a barrister is hired when required.the only real issue at this time is that the claim has been lodged it may mean returning to square one should we change unions at this point in time, i for one dont mind either way as the hsu seems reluctant to make any form of waves. i see history as this, the claim was started some two years ago, it went quiet as we were in the lead up to a state election, then after this it got vocal again, along came apec in which it went quiet,now in the run up to a federal election it seems to have gone quiet again ill let other members draw their own conclusion. it would appear in terms of the acceptance of the 4% that it may be seen as an invalid or an illegal descision, this issue needed to be taken back to members and placed on the table at a sub branch meeting, the only real way to reverse this for members at their sub branch to move a motion to state that they feel the offer is an insault and that immediate industrial action state wide commence. this action must stay in place until the correct offer is accepted. the death and disabilty is a classic example, this was raised at the mass meeting where members were assured that it would be signed off in 2 to 3 days however some months later we are still waiting. the service is a real communist organisation in terms of them telling all staff to remove any posters or stickers from cars, they wont let officers show their disgust in a reasonable way.
the hsu asked the health minister for an ivestigation into the senior mangement of the service, this resulted in a fax being issued by roachford saying he had spoken to the investigtor and will assist. then a second fax stating that the investigator had asked for a uniformed officer so roachford gave them willis, from what i understand these are two people that this investigation centers around. the whole thing is one big circus, the hsu is not getting anywhere more people have to show their disgust by emailing them direct, at sub branch meetings.
Good shit guys. We have a start. All that has been said is true. What about a group email out to all officers and count what comes back re the starting industrial action and changeing unions or starting our own ? If you like i can draft a letter if some one can pass it on to the rank and file; Can't the sub branches that voted not to accept the shit deal get something moving, There must be hundreds of ambo's attached to those areas. We must strike while the iron is hot! Thanks for imput, keep it coming and spread the word and pass this site on. Friendly ambo
Nice to see some talk boys. This is shit! All the amboo's i know in the south want this 4% to be not accepted and to proceed with industrial action. We didn't want to accept the 4% but our piss-weak sub-branch accepted it! That's F d. How can we get the trops together on this? I'm sure if we all have a chance to put it to the vote it will be a different result. Surely we can do something! Can someone organise a ballot type questionere so we can get the ball rolling with immediate bans and or last result stop work? I don't have the expertese but will help where i can. Signed receiver! and not happy about it!
CES/SES
Per annum range
Remuneration Level 8
$348,601
to
$402,750
Remuneration Level 7
$278,001
to
$348,600
Remuneration Level 6
$247,301
to
$278,000
Remuneration Level 5
$214,351
to
$247,300
Remuneration Level 4
$196,651
to
$214,350
Remuneration Level 3
$173,101
to
$196,650
Remuneration Level 2
$161,351
to
$173,100
Remuneration Level 1
$137,800
to
$161,350
the table above represents the ses or state executive serive pay scale, the ce/ceo is on lvl 5 div managers are lvl 1 this does not include performance base contract bonus or retainer allowences these are:
Levels 7 and 8
up to
$35,000
Levels 5 and 6
up to
$27,000
Levels 3 and 4
up to
$19,000
Levels 1 and 2
up to
$15,000
the top table also doesnt state that it is legislation at the start of each year there is a 4% increase (automatic).
what maybe is not also common knowledge is that the ce/ceo under his/her duristiction is the abilty to sign off on a 5% pay increase for their workers. this option was not taken by our ceo, but prefered to take the matter to the courts. it also has been noted the vast amount of money invested by the state government in an attempt to provide a better service to the public. this as we all know has not been the case, the money stays at the higher levels to create personel empires and if their is any surplus will filter down to the coalface level, hence the increase of some 400% of support staff since the arrival of the currnet ceo. this equates to one support staff for every three on road officers and at times you cant even get a leave form signed, a very pathetic enviroment to be in i feel. no doubt at the end of the day the failing radio system, the poor pro q a system, the 6.4 mill dollars for 30 new front vechicles (which we have never seen), the list goes on will all be covered up when they have again finished investigating themselves yet again. the HSU is nothing but a mirror man (ill look into it) setup much like the management of the service and whilst ever we choose to stay under this organisation the prospects for ANY more pay rises (even though it stated the 4% was an interim)is very unlikely.
Capt Eric
Hello all you ambos,iam the wife of an ambo,iam also the manager of our income.I cannot belive for the life of me that some members could even think about accecpting the 4% pay rise.How can anyone trust this government or any other.This government have not even sighned off on the Death and Dissability,let alone give the 4% when they said they would.I have worked for 30 years in numerouse jobs and never have a seen a union with so little balls and so far up the Labour governments arse.How stipid are you people out there who trust this union when we all know they only have one thing on their mind and that is their own polical assperations.Its time the members moved on to another uion e.g the nurse uion.I can tell you all now you will never get the pay rise you hope and i have doubts that you will even see the D&D before the years out.Do you all think so little of your selves and your familys that you wouldnt fight for what you are worth.Most of the sub branch menbers(exceatives)seem to have their own agender,that is how it appears to me.You have to remember that the HSU is working for you not for themsalves.Why are you paying 21 dollars a pay if you are not prepared to stand up for yourself.Quiet frankly its not just the HSU being your handicap its many of your members who are gutless.You all need to stand up and tell the HSU to move aside these men are only there for their own gain and if you all cant see that then you are pretty blind.You need to put bands back on and leave them on,the HSU had now right to demand an answer within 1 hour about the 4% deposit.Not only that I thought it was meant to be 8%.This proposal should of gone straight to the members first.But the HSU bullied many into giving an answer within the hour.This is illegal and wrong.Get stuck into your sub branch presidents and get then to put bans on,it is the only way and you will get action.We all know how greedy this Labour government is.If you are not worth the 25% then its not worth chargeing for is it.!!! If you dont fight now then dont winge about how much you are paid.
Fucken Mint! Mint.
I agree. Whats wrong with some members ? and lets piss off this weak union or a least the piss off weak committee members that are holding us back. How do we start to do this ????
PLEASE PASS ON THIS SITE TO ANY AMBO YOU KNOW.
I pay the service over $2000 a year for the pleasure of working night shifts. Work 14 and get paid for 13. What other industry has these special workplace conditions. I love it because I am Mr. Ambulance, I would do it for half the money I currently get, I am in the process of trying to work out an agreement with them so I can come in on my days off. You may only be able to see my bootlaces though because I am that far up the Operations Managers arse that's all you can see. It's nice up there, not to crappy because most of the shit comes out his mouth. I would like more skills and resposibilties as well, because I have no life outside the SERVICE and this will make people like me.
P.S I have decompressed over 50 Chest injuries
Thats Choice
The process of standing down you executive is easy, there will shortly be an AGM which will allow you to do this, but on the other hand you can place a motion in an ordinary meeting of no confidence in your executive. you must however also have (if you want the sub branch to still run) be able to replace the executive at the same time. if you you are unhappy with your exec make sure you choose your replacement carefully.
Capt Eric
"the vast bering sea, the most dangerous ocean in the world and home of the deadlist catch"
It is obvious we need to either-
1. Get our own union.
or
2.Vote out Labour.
Then we will see an attack for a serious pay rise.
Just remember-the best thing about the job is the top blokes and girls we work with, lets not tear each other apart.
Thats what management want.
Some of the comments published hold a lot of creedence, but remember most of these Sub Branch officials that you elected work up to 40 hours a week representing and defending your rights, Most of them are there because no one else including those using this blog dont put up their hands, but that aside, just work out how much another union has in the bank to mount a wage case for you, or defend members in court etc.. we need to find one that will gaurantee sufficent funding for us.
A point for the officer who raised that the CEO can grant a 5% pay rise correct but that is then it you only get 5% until the next time you lodge an award application. So if the CEO had given the 5% then in may 2008 you would be getting 0%. How about you spend your time working out how to screw the service rather than the Sub Branches, no sub branch executive goes out to screw memebrs, they make choices when other members dont show up for meetings or are down the beach surfing or having a BBQ. Please remember the working conditions that you do have and how you got them, lets not rest on them but improve and increase them.
Real Ambo I challange you to put up a survey and ask how many are willing to hand back their 4%I will set up a trust and each week all those who give the amount back in protest forward it to the trust and we can make a very healthy donation each month to a worthy charity. Will be in the hundreds of thousands in a short time if what people are saying is the truth. Some how I think the 4% will be used to pay the members familys bills.
OK, so we're all pissed off and sick and tired of being jerked around for in excess of 2 yrs now. What can we do about it? Yep,ditch the HSU. But we've got to have something ready to put in it's place. How do we do that and what's the time frame we've need to work with? Costs? Personel? It's not going to be an overnight event. In the interim, can we take the bull by the horns and bung on industrial bans/action over (what I see as) 3 separate issues from our wage value case.
1. The ongoing bloody delay over the introduction of the Death & Disability. Needs to be up and running before,say, end of Nov 07.
2. The "assistance" of ANY manager holding a position more substantive than Station Officer in the Review. Needs to be agreed to by, say,end of Oct 07.
3. The delay untill May 08 of getting our day in court. Needs to be commenced by, say, end of Nov 07.
Until all 3 of these issues are actually OCCURING, bans/action will remain in place.
Call SB meetings NOW, if necessary, to get this happening NOW.
These bans/actions are not lifted under any other cercumstances, even if directed by the IRC. And stuff the union on these issues.
If the boss keeps ripping down your posters etc, get your private vehicles covered in your own (or HSU) stickers and posters. Then have them up on with vandalism if they remove them.
I'm not up on the legalities of what I've proposed here, but surely we can do this even on a local SB level.
NO MORE LILLY LIVERED CAVE-INS FOLKS.
Anonymous, you asked for a survey - you got it! It's on the main page now.
Anonymous, you must be a sub-branch member. One of the piss weak ones i guess. Whats in it for you mate ? Worthy charity sounds great but what about our own backyards first! That 4%could go towards a fund to start our own union fool.Hey Mr no balls why don't you just piis off and stop bringing us down. We had the perfect chance when APEC was on to stand our ground and the pathetic turn up crumpled. Sad very sad. Vic Nurses. Now thats a union and thats solidarity. Stick together, stand your ground, talk, yes but keep the bans on. I'm sick to death of being the most respected profession aswell as the poorist. We need to pull together. Get the bans back up and going and not back down. Election on the horizon. Lets make some noise. Time to stand up.
The site is taking off and thanks to all for their input again. Nice to feel the vibe out there gang! One thing i would like to raise with all our new brothers in the job is guys. DON'T SELL YOURSELVES SHORT. DON'T SELL YOURSELVES SHORT! You work hard, in a hard and stressful and very resposible profession again, don't sell yourselves short. 22 to 25 dollars an hour for what you do and see and the long term effects stress and shiftwork will have on you will take its toll. Maybe not right now! but it will. For those of you out of Uni and other career paths think about it. $22 to$25 per hour is a joke, is and insult, is a disgrace! You shouldn't have to do overtime. You shouldn't have to not have a meal every day. You shouldn't have to chace pennalty rates to earn a professional income for what you do. Behind the smoke screen of the excitement the adreanalin rush, the public respect, hey that don't pay the bills. When in ten years time you new guys are screaming like most of us are now for better working conditions, better wages, some security that if hurt at work, your family will be protected by some pensions scheme,after all what you do is help and protect the good and people of our cities and town putting your lives at risk like the cops and fire's do but they have a scheme that covers them if hurt and they lose their income. Why do you think you are less worthy ? Time to stand up and back your mate and work together to get fair pay and conditions. THE TIME MAY COME WHERE WE MAY HAVE TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER STRIKE ACTION BUT LETS AT LEAST GIVE THE PUBLIC A CHANCE TO GET BEHIND US FIRST! Does anyone know why the Nurses are all over the news ? Yet we have pathetic stickers to put on our vehicles in support or our rights and as fast as we put them on management is taking them off. Enough said for now. Go in peace but be strong together brothers
PLEASE TELL A FRIEND AND FORWARD THIS SITE ON.
IF ANYONE CAN FORWARD THIS TO THE UNI TRAINING CENTRES, ALSO APPRECIATED. ANYONE THAT HAS ACCESS TO THE AMBULANCE EMAIL SITE, A GROUP EMAIL TO ALL NSW AMBO'S WOULD BE NICE FOR THE STATISTICS REGARDING CHANGING UNIONS AND HANDING BACK THE 4% IN ORDER TO PURSUE THE FULL PAY CLAIM. BYE FOR NOW AND THANKS TO ALL!
you ambos wake up to yourselves,you have no one to blame but yourselves? you allowed your union to screw you, you have to fight for what you want. how many (MEN)& (WOMEN) and how many whingers, stand up and be counted.
The problem with not have a strong union stems from the fact that alot of our members are living thier dream, young, straight out of school or uni with little life experience and a heap of ambulance match box cars from their childhood. Now I am not knocking that, good on them. But these are the members (like old mate who has decompressed 50 chest injuries) who sit on the fence when it comes time to vote.Maybe they feel intimidated. (A secret ballot would rectify this when it comes to such an important vote). Over 100 officers abstained from voting at the mass meeting.( maybe because there were the prying eyes of superintendants on scene). You must have an opinion, I will support any officers right to thier opinion and to voice it, even if it is Fucking stupid. But don't sit on the fucking fence. Grow some balls and stand up for what YOU believe in
Can someone tell me why when there was a phone confrence the delegets agreed on a 8% interim pay rise and then aweek later we were given a 4% increase and the delegets agreed.Who is looking after who here?
confused ambo.
Hunter region
Why are we trying to convince the public we are the good guys,didnt they vote us "the most trused profession!also one could always put the posters on telegraph poles and the stickers look pretty good on my garbage bin too.Also how about cutting off the authorised part of the posters we all know who he is working for and its not us.Then lets see if that really bothers him.Iam against helping Mr M Williamsons polical assperations arent you !!!!!!!
Gary says
We are the good guys, we know that and so does the public. They just dont't know how help. Or how we can get them to help us ?
4% form 8% offered to keep us from rocking the boat is fucked! blame your sub branch, not the illawarra or central coast sub branches but the piss weak committee members that represented you with out your consent. Please don't let this issue die! you were ripped by those spineless people.
Ok folks! apparnently the ambo interntet site does not allow you to comment on this site but you can view it ? Go to your home pc's and do the work, we all have them! We need a volunteer to do the ground work re changin unions! Nurses, fire fighters, twu and apparently the combined ambo union that takes care of vic, sa and ? wa ambo's. If someone can help with the ground work, that would be great.When we get the figures back from our long overdue poll we will know if it is time to change unions or to start our own! We are for you. Nothing else!
Robbie to anonymous, re the commitee 40hr workload. Dude, you gone quiet! Spend your 40 in the right way! We appreciate good stuff but piss weak! If you don't like the job, contact the illawarra or central coast, they will help in the interim, whilst we try to get the right people for the job! Hunter! Who the hell is sticking money up your arse? Once a strong region! HUNTER MEMBERS, give it to your piss weak turn coat spineless commitee! Lets at least get the strong branches talking and move on. The maembers will follow,
I hope some good will come of this guys. I've been in for over 25and its time to change. This is the first time i have been able to contact other ambo's and have a say. New union, new commitee's and a strong stance! My god, we get a shit wage for what we do! We are long gone from the days when the bosses were uneducated and hid at hospitals trying to catch us the amob's on the streets, not wearing our hats! SERIOUSLY! they were out there, the JJ's, mindless little man sindrome bosses that couldn't quite crack it in the real work! and yes, some are still aroung. Scary!
I hear you burnt out! I heard the stories too! Mate there is help. Seriously, via the ips programe. They are there for us! Mate, 25 years brother, you should be retired on a beach somewhere on a state pension!Any where else in the modern world, a skilled emergency techniciain would be drinking marguaritia's and kicking back. THE LUCKY COUNTRY! Don't know about that mate! 25 yrs and not on the beach curtesy of the county is not right! You have done your time!
I know an ambo on the central coast who is quite unwell. Been in for over 20yrs, can anyone tell me is he and his family being looked after ? I think he works at The Entrance Station or near the beach area!
Robbie from anonymous, please mate put your brain into gear before your mouth, there is one simple reason for people up here going quiet over the last 36 hours...one of our members took his own life on friday pm RIP, so we have been a little pre occupied.. He was a top bloke but yes probably a victim of a lot of the problems discussed on this blog. You obviously have a personal issue with me, have the balls give me ring or talk to me face to face, dont denigrate the issues on this blog with you personal attacks. play the issues and see me face to face and discuss your issues. Lets get on with the members issues. Hunter
Nice touch Hunter. Sorry about the brother but you are out of line! robbie keep up the work. we will miss our mate. spineless you are and spineless you will remiain. Don't play those cards hunter. I Hope proferssional help is being given to our hunter brother. Don't forget isp is there for us.
Poor call Hunter! I hope the death and dissability will help our passed brother ? deepest feelings to those left behind. I hope our hunter friends family is getting the care needed by both the service and frineds. I thinks enought has been said for on day!
Hunter says anyone interested in a break away union look at this site. It is a new Union reping Paras in QLD. www.emspa.org.au
Steve, I think you are talking about Barry. He is at Terrigal mate. There is no more The Entrance Station. A fundraiser day is being run for the family, 31 October at the Terrigal Memorial Counrtry Club. If anyone can come, that would be great. Contact Terrigal staff.
Thanks Anonymous for the information Re the QLD Union.
But according to the site that you gave the link to, "The sole reason of this organisation is to create a communal fund for QAS employees to contribute to in order for them to access appropriate legal advice and representation for employment-based matters" and "EMSPA is not in competition with the current Union, nor does EMSPA want staff to join the organisation thinking that."
That's great, but it doesn't really look like what we need. I think we actually need to replace the HSU with a proper union, one dedicated to ambos specifically.
Hi all Its sad that this job is takeing the lives of our own.Surly in time this needs to be brought to the attention of the public.I can understand that its abit raw at the moment,for the family and friends,but this does needs to be brought out into the open.we all know the the pressures. But we are pertrade as being drivers even Ms Reba thought that at a meeting in sydney recently!!!lets start looking after each other and band together,so our familys and ourselves are not under any more pressure that is needed!!!
Very true anonymous! Lets look after our own first!
Can anyone shed some light on the death and dissability scheme ? Are we and our families protected yet ? It would be nice to know when i go to work next if i get hurt and my career is over because of work my family will be looked after! Any info ?
Hi Real Ambo,
The Brisbane Water Sub Branch are the leaders in the fight for the D&D. We are sick and tired of watching the SERVICE applying the russian army tactics to on road frontline officers, that is shoot the wounded just like in the movie enemy at the gate. To think we drive on the wrong side of the road and risk our lives in all situations for the good of the public and at any disaster, the the police and the fire brigade families can be comforted knowing that they will be compensated should injury or death arise and an ambo standing next to them gets nothing. To my knowledge this still has not been signed off and should this not be finalzed, to cover officers on and off duty withn a two week time frame all sub branchs should call a FULL STOP WORK MEETING, this matter would be finalized in 10 mins of the meeting occuring, this will will be a central focus along with the 4% wage offer at a Sub Branch Meeting next Monday on the Central Coast. All AMBOs should demand that their Sub Branch call HSU to ask for the state wide delegates to regroup as a matter of urgency and represent their members and not themselves. (ie take the vote back to their members and carry ot their wishes)In realation to the insulting 4% both ourselves and the Illawarra strongly and hostilically opossed this offer whilst the remaining (you know who they are) accepted. NOW IS THE TIME TO "LISTEN TO YOUR MEMBERS AND NOT AGENDAS"
Central Coast (The Mouse That ROARED)
Thats Fucken Mint! Go the King Cobra
I heard somewhere that the Hunter is only represented by one individual, no vice president or secretary, is this true and if so is it legal
Hunter said.. keep going boys and girls Annual General Meeting 28/03/2007 President Peter Rumball, Secretary Andrew Steenson, Committee Memebrs Robert Dunn, Phil Davey, Jeff Atkins, Gary Henry and Pat Lannen.
Peter Franks and Robert Dunn withdrew nominations for President and Secretary.
Returning Officer Tony McDonald.
Organiser Present Bob Hull.
King Cobra you are on the money son. I agree all the way; All members should have a chance to vote to proceed with industrial action re the pathetic 4% which should have been at least 8% promised by at the meeting, how the hell did they pull off that magic trick? and don't forget the 8% was just to keep us quiet prior to election time and then in May hopefully we would get a fair rise. NO PAY RISE SINCE 1988 c'mon gang, lets fight now! The work we do is worth way more than $23 an hour! Thats not even a good joke!Looking forward to seeing what the Central Coast boys get happening.
Ooooooohhhh bugger, I think I just peeed me pants. All this excitement! When can I go OUT ON THE GRASS?
Aunty B, the game has only just begun! Plenty of things we can do before a walk out! Hopefully we will never have to do that. The races are coming soon! Melbourne Cup! Other sporting fixtures. The good old everyone travels free. No more O.T.and also off station for lunch!!!!!!!!! Hang in there Sister.
To blog or not to blog! Do the maths. Change unions!Reject the 4%. move towards immediate industrial action. Sit back and get nothing. The squeaky wheel must turn. We are the good guys, lets stand together and push for our just deserts. Silence apethy is our demise! support your sub-branch with their move to be heard and viva la revalution!
Now is the time to show solidarity. We as Ambo's need to show the HSU hierarchy and the Labor state govt that we will make a "BIG NOISE." prior to the Nov Federal election and beyond if we don't see real progress. And I don't mean just promises. I mean signed, sealed and delivered paperwork ratifying our demands, with no decrease in our current award entitlements. In the meantime, I agree with the majority - work bans and plenty of them. Also let the IRC know we won't be giving in when they 'ASK' us to lift bans. Lets make REAL headlines and rally everyone together. Ask your HSU executive that if they don't want to represent your best interests then ask (in no uncertain terms) for their resignation. Good on the Central Coast and Illawarra Union executive for having a spine and standing up for their members.
The times are changing and as ambos we must relize this. We are not safe in any area that we work within the service. For instance you can be road staff but seconded elsewhere and are not entitiled to the wage increase be it so little of 4% but you are not entiled to the pay that others get doing the same job because you come from a different sub branch. you even loose your toil because the area you have been seconded doesnt believe in toil. Firstly we must all unite as a group and not by subbranches. We also must not give in to personalities or take a divided appraoch and subranches should not be controlled by personalities. It is also an unreasonable and degoritory approach that the president from the hunter email others with personal emails sent to him. we will never gain anything or the trust of the community if this sort of comments were made known.Its about sticking together and supporting each other that makes us different from any other employment. We may not all agree on certain issues but we must learn to agree to disagree. We as ambos must stick together and fight. for instance walk out means we are left in the communities eyes as uncaring but to do it as stop work meetings in each sector at different times but rotate it so that it is impossible to use fluid deployment to cover short falls whilst the meetings are held.
this will also give pubilicity to the staff that they require for support from the community.
It all sounds good so far! Lets see how the central coast goes wth their meeting and hopefully we can get a roll on from there! Thanks again for all comments.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS SITE ON!
HAS ANYONE MANAGED TO GROUP EMAIL THIS THROUGHT THE AMBULANCE INTANET SITE!
Should also have some feedback from the SA and Vic Ammbo's next week.
Its great to see so many that are finnally sticking together,keep going because in the end it will come out good for all.Its important to fight or though i think it is away of life these days that one has to fight for every last dime.To all you wives,husbands and partners out there you too have to support your Ambo,its going to be tuff,but lets hang in there,for them.take it easy,,,,, "the little wifie!!!!!!" .
I disagree that if we went on the grass the public would see us as uncaring. As far as the general public is concerned they need to feel that something may affect them directly for them to take a REAL intrest. We got a bit of media before the mass meeting with the chance APEC might be affected, but then the majority rolled over. Bans were lifted and the PUBLICS perception is " Must not of been that important an issue" and about their daily lives they went.
Take these latest TV adds from the nurses. Granny laying in the hospital bed pressing the button and no nurse showing. They got what they wanted. Imagine a TV add where people are doing CPR on a patient asking where are the AMBO'S. Thats when the public will really get behind us.
HSU is bullshit I went to the mass meeting and heard how we are going to make the the public aware of our plight another load of bullshit fed to us by our union
Why when sent stuff to put up around station we got right to work bullshit (labour party bullshit) and nothing that outlines what ambos really feel is the issue. OUR FUCKING PAY
I say lets get feed back on who wants to change unions
Im in
I agree with anonymous, the public needs to be shocked to arc up. And they will take it out on the government. The service relys on our good nature and feelings of guilt to continually screw us. this is when you have to get ballsy like the Vic nurses, and if your not willing to do so you will continue to be reamed up the arse, the service wouldn't even have the manners to give you a reach around.
ABC CENTRAL COAST Listen shortlly! Will keep you informed Coastie ambo's. Somethings coming on the radio very shortly and i will give you the heads up when to tune in for some facts we all know and facts the public is about to learn.
Most are with you mate. Time to change unions! How good is our media campaing ? I love seeing us on the tv, radio and in the newspapers every few hours! Nice stickers HSU!
Hi there, if your new to our site, just some help on navigatiing! When our page opens to view all the comments so far, scroll down to the last comment and clikc on the comments highlighted, there should be in excess of 50 comments and also tell new users the ambulance search engine filters so you can not post a comment. You must use your own pc's at home. Bummer!
Officers at my station attempted that a couple of years ago. We had the AEA interested until the HSU got wind of it and blew it out of the water, telling the AEA to butt out. Four of the officers resigned from the HSU in protest. I agree ITS TIME. I will pass on this site to the guy who led the push and give you more info later. VA
Thanks veteran! Pass on the figures re the poll so far. No one who has posted a comment wants to stay with the HSU anymore! Enough is enough! HSU should butt out if we want to move on. After all we are only a small percentage of their union! Pass it on mate!
hi all
judging by the comments so far, we all agree that we've been reamed big time by the hsu,state labour party and management. if we want to be taken seriously we have to take serious actions. the hsu are so far up the labour party's arse we wont get anywhere with all their piss and wind. we need to get on the grass and let's see some sphincter puckering, then maybe we'll get some quick action. train drivers went out for one day now thy're on $35.00 an hour.
lancelot
Some goood comments on Central Coast ABC 92.5 FM today, as a result of this blog site being advertised I thought I would give a quick rundown of our responsibilities for non Ambulance visitors.
Ambulance Officers work in inimical conditions and often hostile environments. We administer the following drugs:
Oxygen, Salbutamol, Atrovent,BSL monitoring, Asprin, Panadol, Anginine, Methoxyflurene, Fentynal, Midazalam, Adrenelin, Hartmans,Glucagon, Dextrose, Atropine, Ameoderone, Morphine, Glucose Gel, Phenergan, Maxalon, Intubation, laryngeal mask, Tracheal suction, Magill Forceps, Defibrillation and Cardic Monitoring, Bi Carb, Calcium, lignocaine, Pennicillin, Cannulation.
Keep in mind Nurses ( who are on $35 an hour work inside and must get orders from Doctors to administer most of these drugs)
Ambo's on $25 an hour or less administer these drugs under their own discretion, often on the side of the road in the pouring rain or while kneeling in someones Brain juices. While loved ones are screaming hysterically. Then you have Operations asking if you can clear for another job they can't cover.
Have you ever smelt the combination of Cerebral Spinal Fluid and Transmission Fluid simmering away on a hot engine as you are cutting a Mother out of her car who is wearing most of her child.
Tell me we are not Fucking Worth More CEO Rocheford you SPINELESS Wheezle
Ok,on the radio. Good stuff! How do we really turn up the heat and keep this rolling on ?
There would have to be 2700 ambo's in this state paying into the HSU. Thats 27000 a week or close to 1.5 million dollars a year. Considering most of the work is done by our own unpaid Sub branch delegates. Do you think you are getting much bang for your Buck?
Don't feel all bad though, the ALP gets a big donnation every year.
Hi to all,I have just had this site emailed to me and I shall pass it on to all the ambos in my address book.I feel the trouble with ambos is all the backstabbing that goes on (police and nurses no different) but the fires always stick together no matter what is needed to be done.I aggree we need a new union,one with a big set of testicles. I do think our reps do a good job for no pay under very trying times,I am sure they are just as frustrated as us if not more(I am not one).That fund idea sounds great.It is good to have a site that we can all communicate on that can not be filtered.We should be pushing for TV adds and more action from our piss week union.I will gladly hand back my 4% to go out on the grass.
Hello,
I’m a uni student and I have no intention at this stage to work for NSW Ambulance service. It is so poorly ran and the work conditions are SHIT. If they don’t fix it up soon I will go to another state to work i have no issue with that. the idea about you own union is grate!!! what is this state going to do in 3 years if it has NO AMBOS!!!
Over $1,500,000 from ambo's and the best those ALP puppets could come up with were postcards with another country's ambo's on it. You've got to be kidding.
authorised by Boyd Coddington for the "Fuck you Williamson Party"
Well folks, i heard there was a radio talk back with the abc Central Coast today. Unfortunatley our neck of the woods is too far away but had a phone call and got the nuts and bolts. Thank You to those who went on air and thanks to Scott's programe. Looking forwaard to hearing it if someone taped it? Getting back to the issues. Pay, D&D ! Where do we go now?Does the HSU believe we are too weak to pull together for the good of all ambo's? I know one thing! If we don't stick together, we will get Jack! Like many have stated already on this site. Time to get the bans rolling and get what we deserve! We should decide what we are worth not the union and not the IRC> Strong members will prevail. Weak will fall apart.I have been involved with other unions in the past and i must be honest, the ambo's are really there own worst enemy. Too many agenda's and too many out for themselves. Not the way to succeed troops. Good luck for us in the future. Strike now before election time.
I am a member to the senior citizens and heard the radio show today. How can we help? I think we are an un-tapped area! Can someone get us information about your problems and we can hopefully get all are regions active for your plight! Nanna!
Yes we need to start putting on some bans very soon.The election is only around the corner,and it would be a great opputunity to do somethink.Also the GGs are up and running so there is another oppurtunity,now we have this site up and running thanks to real ambos who ever you are!.How can we start and not just dribbling and talking on this site.There must be away.Do we wait for the central coast to make a start? I dont know where to start can someone please lead us in the right direction and fast,,,,,, good luck
Hi to all you Nannas and Popps out there.Great that you were listening.How you can help would be to go to your local Ambulance station and have a word to them.Iam sure they can give you stickers and posters to hand out,Or write to your local member if they are Liberal better still because the Labour Government is only going to tell you lies.We need the support from the public and an understanding that this may lead to going on the grass,if we have too.thanks
i feel all sub branches need to get togther and work to rule
Real Ambo
the service has at this time placed a block (not total)on any correspondence that it recives through the intranet that pertains to this site. it will appear in the junk mail folder, i have however worked a way around this and are working my way through the global address book
Capt Eric
"the vast bering sea, the most dangerous ocean in the world and home of the deadlist catch"
Keep in mind, if you suspect the service is interfearing with your e-mails they are breaching section 27 of the Workplace Surveilance Act. Contact the NSW Ombudsmans Office. NOT the Services PSU, they are corrupt and are under investigation.
Work to rule, bans, whatever it takes! Some of the weak sub-branches may hve to be by-passed and the actual members in those areas link up with Central Coast and Illawarra. Everyone of us should have the chance to vote on this, not just your sub-branch. How do we give everyone a chance to vote ???
Thats Fucken Mint, Pointy. Mint!
keithy do you have a life other than this blog !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please all. This site is to get some good things done for us ambo's. Entitlements we should already have and deserve. Lets try and not get too personal. we are better than that. viva La Revalution!
yes you are correct lets get to it ,sorry keithy!!
yeh, Get off keithys back, he calls it as he see's it and at least puts his name on his posts
I'm the guy who went on the radio today (on the ABC 702, for those who didn't hear it).
One thing that came up in discussion after the interview was that the Labor candidate for Dobell (which covers The Entrance, Wyong, etc), Craig Thomson, is the National Secretary of the HSU. Maybe some of you Central Coast guys can contact him and see if he can put some pressure on the NSW union guys. After all, it is election time, so we might as well get some benefit out of it
So how do we do this as a concerted effort? we need to get a state wide vote to implement industrial action. There is a lot of stuff we can do legally before we even think of striking such as emergency responses only, off station for lunch, overtime bans would really hit home, refuse to train probationers, ban single responses on safety grounds (yes including rapid responders & cycles) watch the respnse time figures then! Lets do it together people, spread the word and stand up like the Vic. nurses, police, teachers. We are the union!
How do we get a state wide vote going ? Im sure the HSU will help ?
Is that you? Craig Thompson! The plot thickens! It's like a nest of fleas.
Radio guy, you have just answered your own question. Labor candidate as well as HSU secretary. The very reason our claim is going no where.
Thanks for your Radio comments this morning, very accurate and I would say appreciated by all Ambo's on the coast.
how about some consultation with your members hsu hierachy. it's a big call to make a decision in an hour without our approval, when this debacle has been dragging on for 2 years. time for some statewide stopwork meetings. for a start give back the 4% and reimpose paperwork bans, inforce until may 2008. instead of "not worth paying not worth charging" rename it "if we have to wait so do you".
we need to maybe look at what skills drugs etc have been introduced since 3c lvl and maybe turn back time and take them out, this would be ideal however the legal implications would have to be considered,what all sub branches need to do as a matter of urgency is move a motion that no more is introduced until a monetary rate is ageeded on as in another 3-4 years we will be back in the same spot. i have also noted that the 20-25 years retirement with a 75% indexed pensiion was omited as well along with the payment of the six months of average wage for those that are on workers comp long term sick etc. sub branches need to move theses motions as we still have some months until this is heard and even then it will be quiet sometime before dollars hit the bank, i estimate about oct next year.we need to tarnish the labour parties image on the run up to the election.
BROTHERS UNITE AND REMEMBER
"IT IS OUR WORLD AGAINST THEIRS AND, THEY WILL LOSE"
hi all it doesnt matter what extras you are doing if they feel that a 3c is needed in the country and you are a paramedic and apply for that position you will only be able to use the skills as a 3c and you will be only paid as a 3c.So they dont give a rats what the public need ,only what they want to pay!!!!so they sure dont give a rats about us either,so why should we.Its time to move on this,you know the old saying "if you want a job done right,do it yourself" one cannot rely on the HSU,AMBULANCE SVC OR Ms Reba .we are on our own,lets go for it.
The Talk is that there is going to be some BALLSY Motions at the Brisbane Waters Sub- Branch meeting Monday. I hope you other Sub-Branches put your money where your mouth is and support these gutsy officers. Make no MISTAKE if this Sub-Branch is not backed by ALL Sub-Branches "IT IS ALL OVER". You will never see a pay rise and the Service will Know ONCE and FOR ALL that we will never unite, making it all so easy for them to continually screw us.
This is Your LAST CHANCE to dig deep. Unions used to be so strong because of their solidarity. Be prepared, these motions will not only get the Service off side but probably the HSU. Ignore the Bullshit threats from both Sides. United we stand - Devided we will continue on as is.
Yep i agree but iam a girl and i dont have balls!!!!!!!!I will do what i can !!!!!!!!!!and improvise
Review of the Service
As you will note from the attached correspondence forwarded to the Minister earlier this week, we have begun to set the scene for a stoush about the proposed review (or rather potential whitewash). Some members have suggested further meetings with the Minister or other pressure that could be brought to bear at a peak level but to be honest, like you, I am over it and if we do not receive a satisfactory response in the coming week to our concerns (and it is hard to see what that could be) then that is a very effective and reasonable and logical platform to escalate matters from. It is also one that will be very easy to spin out to the media and the public.
In that regard, as the letter to the Minister flags, we will probably need to get together, probably by phone may be OK, in the coming week or so to discuss the review and any response (if any) we receive and where to from there. I hope they grab several further members of senior ambulance management to the Review as it will just make our cause and arguments easier to make. It may also make the Service run better …….
Ambulance staff can post questions directly to Chief Executive, Greg Rochford by clicking on the email link below. Please be sure to include "Ask Greg" in the subject line. Posts without this will be deleted unread.
AskGreg@ambulance.nsw.gov.au
The Major Industrial Case / Work Value before a Full Bench of the Industrial Relations Commission today 5 October 2007
Today the Department of Health, the Ambulance Service and the Health Services Union appeared before a Full Bench of the Industrial Relations Commission presided over by His Honour Vice President Walton.
The parties made a joint consent application for an interim Award providing a wage increase of 4% for most classifications in the Operational Ambulance Officer (State) Award and the Ambulance Service of NSW Superintendents/Operational Manager (State) Award.
The interim Award increase does not apply to the classifications of Patient Transport Officer, Ambulance Operations Centre Officer, Ambulance Officer (Operations Centre), Aeromedical Operations Officers and Superintendent/Operational Manager (working in Operations Centres). Given that the case so far is largely based on changes to “on-road” work and these classifications have been awarded other outcomes in the IRC over the period, it was agreed that this interim Award will apply only to the classifications covering “on-road” work.
The joint submission informed the Full Bench that the interim increase would give appropriate recognition to Ambulance Officers for the very significant contribution to the community generally and the health system in particular.
Granting an interim increase recognised the lengthy and protracted proceedings in these matters and is consistent with the constructive industrial position adopted by the parties and will provide an opportunity for both parties to have their respective claims dealt with in comprehensive award proceedings next year.
The work value changes identified (4%) demonstrates the unique nature of ambulance work.
The Service is pleased that the Full Bench of the IRC accepted the parties joint application agreeing to the interim increase and that there was now an orderly schedule defined that would see the outstanding matters and the balance of the claims settled before the commission in formal proceedings in May next year.
The Chief Executive, Greg Rochford expressed his gratitude to the efforts of both the HSU representatives, the Department of Health and Service representatives for their significant contributions in achieving an appropriate interim result.
Colin Lyttle
Director, Workforce Unit
FUCK OFF Lyttle
this game is all political on state and federal elections and the Ambo's are the one's with the community that suffer. We need to make a stand and unit not for the unions but for ourselves. We all as Ambo's have seen the bad side of all fields and many things may piss us all off but these following words are being used in the up comming election. Now remember that the Hospitals are state funded.
Labor is committed to a health system that protects, maintains and improves the health of all Australians. Labor believes in a government that is investing in and reforming the health system to create a service fit for all Australians. What a joke we pay the labour government each week for this.
the next one is even better that they are using on there web sites., Labor has a proud history of achievement for the people of Australia . Today the Party plays an important role in providing greater opportunity and a fair go for all Australians.
which Australians are they giving a fair go themselve?
02 October 2007
Meagher acknowledges hard work of NSW Ambulance officers
The Iemma Government recognises the hard work of frontline Ambulance officers amid increasing demand for Ambulance services, Minister for Health, Reba Meagher, said today.
Ms Meagher said a call is made to the Ambulance Service of NSW every 31 seconds across the state. In the past 12 months alone, demand for ambulance services has increased by 5.5 per cent. The service provided more than 1.05 million responses in 2006-7.
"The Iemma Government has recognised the pressures facing the Service, which is why we have allocated a record $316 million budget to the Ambulance Service of NSW and funded an additional 688 operational positions since 2001," Ms Meagher said.
"The turnover rate of 4.6 per cent for Ambulance Officers is amongst the lowest in the public sector but as our population ages and people live longer, the demand for ambulance services is only going to increase."
Ms Meagher also highlighted a recent agreement to pay frontline Ambulance officers an extra four per cent work value wage increase ahead of the beginning of formal hearings at the Industrial Relations Commission.
"The Iemma Government has reached agreement with the Ambulance Officers' union to pay an interim four per cent work value wage increase. This increase has been ratified by delegates and will be paid - subject to the IRC's formal consent in hearings in early October," Ms Meagher said.
"The four per cent wage increase is a sign of good faith from the Iemma Government and demonstrates our appreciation for the increasing workloads faced by frontline Ambulance officers every day.
"This follows the Government's recent decision to give Ambulance Officers a similar death and disability benefit enjoyed by other emergency service staff in the Fire Brigade and Police Force."
Ms Meagher said that while workforce was an ongoing issue, it would be covered in a review of the Ambulance Service of NSW being conducted by director of the newly established Performance Review Unit in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Graeme Head.
"We need a comprehensive review, so we can properly plan the allocation of resources to meet demand for Ambulance Services into the future," Ms Meagher said.
The pressure appears to be on our Coastie brothers! It shouldn't though. I agree the time is right to make some real noise about these issues. It just isn't right the way we have been treated. We have done the right thing all the way so far but time has run out. To wait until May next year to maybe get another pathetic increase will be a real waist of time. Get out there. Tell the oldies, get the seniors involved and the public in general. Hand out those pathetic posters but pick them up a send them on to the right people. Send emails, talk to the media. A lot of leg work but all a build up to the finale! I don't know why so much is depending on the Brisbane Water guys, they only want what we should have. Professional pay for what we do without having to chase pennalty rates, or do overtime to make up for a crap salary. The death and dissabiliy should be finished now. Not in the process! Your family should know when you go to work each day careing for the puclic and sometimes putting your lives at risk, their lively hood is safe or better than it was! We are all worth at least that! I hope the Brisbane Water boys get something that is fair and smart on the roll and if so back them because as stated this is our last chance i believe. Please all, think of the majority and the future of all and what it will be like in the future if we do not make a stand now!
People it appears that getting rid of the HSU is almost impossible due to the legal nature. It will also cost any other union a truckload of cash if they wanted to take us on. The obvious and most effective path for us is to make these bastards work for us.
Any resolutions passed by a sub branch need to be supported on a state wide basis. Perhaps the first motion we need to pass is a state wide meeting (the teachers do it so why can't we). We will also need a process in place for proxy votes so we can determine the true feeling of the majority. If we can do this and put forward two or three really important issues such as 'are people willing to begin immediate industrial action in pursuit of our pay claim' then we may indeed achieve a state wide action.
The meeting in Sydney was a farce and went no where near representing every officer. It would also appear to have been hijacked by those with other agandas (thanks Sue 'the smiing assassin' and Peter 'backpeddle to a political career'.
At a time when union membership is falling they don't seem to be doing much to arrest the slide.
sounds like the Mr Anonymous at the tiem of 8.43pm is on the Government side would be please to know wether you would work in two roles on road and in the co-ord room and not recieve anything but basic ambo so officers that do this are lower paid than on road ambo's and control ambo's
Anonymous@2053
This is a transcript from the health ministers gob not mine
I'm one the old farts referred to earlier. in my 30th year. for as long as I can remember our fkn sub branches have been whinging about each other. Stop. In the past 29 years i have seen so many conditions and allowances stolen away for froth and bubbles.Call me burnt out but I have nothing left to lose. Let's screw these pricks for everything we can get. If train drivers can get $35/hour then we should be on at least $45/hr for starters. words can't express how pissed off I am, and let's not even start about the co-ord debacle.
Im in agreeance with fed up the fact appear to be:
1. The Service Dont Give a fuck about us.
2. The governemnt wants us to shut up till after the election so does the HSU
3.The acceptance of the 4% should by all sub branches be deemed nul and void or illgeal due to the fact that the MEMBERS have the say and the delegates have their own adgendas and not the members.
the service should sign all correspondence CCCP
When is the Brisbane Waters sub branch meeting and can people fro other sub branches let us know when their next meetings are scheduled and if there are enough numbers based on word of mouth to get these motions passed. As Brad E Cardic says we need a state wide effort. I am curious to know if this is a true majority feeling. I have been a unionist for many years and if the majority is apathetic then I will walk away dissapointed as this will kill it once and for all but if the majority have enough backbone to see this through then lets get rolling.
The Brisbane Water Sub Branch will hold a meeting on Monday night, having been part of this Sub Branch for some years the minutes from this meeting i feel will show the disgust and anger many of you are displaying. They will no doubt have the Delegates phones ringing as soon as they are sent to HSU.
Officers are advised that these minutes at the request of our Members will be forwarded to all State Delegates (feel free to ask for a copy), this will be our view to the way forward. We would strongly encourage all Sub Branches to follow suit in an attempt to form UNITY, remember a small amount of personel inconvienace now can have great pay offs in the future.
Capt Eric
"the vast bering sea, the most dangerous ocean in the world and home of the deadlist catch"
capt eric you are on the money. we bent over an assumed the reaming position so that morris iemma and his gang had a clear run at the state election, but all it got us was a sore arse and an empty wallet. the hsu would be happy for this to happen again. go the coasties lets be heard this time. we've seen what we got from a state labour party, sweet F...A. wot chance will we have when these other mutts get in.
Looks like we got your attention Lyttle. What a pity all you could do is regurgitate the same old shit. It smells even worse second time around.
I got this blog of a friend of mine who is a copper.I never knew that you were all on such a low wage.What have you all been doing for the last 10 years.That wage is a wage back in the 80s.I dont know all i can say is move on from your unions and stand alone.I only hope this blogg is going out to all of NSW,ambos.good luck and you do have the public behinde you dont worry what your stupid union is saying,they are only worried about the 24th Nov.
Hi guys to shed some more light on the situation if you havent't read all the comments. CRAIG THOMPSON FEDERAL LABOUR CANDIDATE IS THE FEDERAL MEMBER UP ON THE CENTRAL COAST- WYONG, THE ENTRANCE AREA! AND ALSO I THE NATIONAL SECRETARY OF THE HSU! i wonder why our union will not give us a fair media campaign? State labour government, keep the boys quiet so they can slip in a Federal labour government wth minimal upsets. I suggest you find Craig Thompson's email and let him have it about our poor conditions. Why your doing that give it Willialson and Meagher. This may help! michaelwilliamson@hsu.asn.au reba.office@meagher.minister.nsw.gov.au Email the editor of all your local newspapers in your down time and get the senior citizens onboard. Good luck again Coasties monday night 29/10
Nanna,
You asked for some info about these problems. I prepared this as a bit of background to the interview that I gave on the radio, regarding the problems faced by NSW Ambulance Officers, especially those stationed on our Central Coast.
My friend asked me to represent him and other ambulance officers as he believes that, if he was identified saying these things, he would be persecuted (like many other whistle-blowers). He has been an ambo for over 20 years, has a young family, and could not afford to lose his job.
I have know him since we were kids - for over 30 years. For a long time now, far too long, I have been listening to the problems that he and the other ambos are facing. I'll just concentrate on a few of the big ones today:
1. Unlike the police and fire brigade, these ambulance officers are not covered if they are hurt on duty. Seriously, nothing. They are not covered. In October last year, the Industrial Relations Commission recognised that this was overdue, and asked the NSW Government and the Union to resolve it "as a matter of urgency." It's still not done.
The union's position is "the delay in resolving the matter was not prejudicial to members due to the 10 November 2006 commencement date being preserved." Although the Premier has said he would agree to that commencement date, the Health Department has not committed to it. More importantly, the whole thing is still unresolved.
Because schemes already exist for the police and fire brigades, this should be a no-brainer. But it's still dragging on.
2. Which brings us to the Union. The HSU. Health Service Union. They are a joke.
Apparently the ambos make up about 10 to 15% of this union; the rest are hospital cleaners, radiographers and others. It doesn't even represent doctors or nurses. (Nurses have their own union.)
Ambulance officers are in the wrong union, that's for sure. Other states have had similar problems. Victorian and Qld ambos are part of the "Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union." I kid you not!
At present the NSW ambos are fighting for a 30% pay rise as they have not had an increase since 1988! Since that time the skill levels have drastically increased and the workload doubled. Only recently, the HSU and delegates met with Reba Meagher, the NSW Minister for Health, and she put to the members an offer of an 8% interim pay rise (which was not to effect are major pay claim).
Apparently, this was a "sweetheart deal" to try to appease the troops prior to a federal election, silencing the squeaky wheel. Get this, though: although 8% was offered, the union accepted just 4% instead, and did it without referring it to their members! Great piece of work there by the union; sticking up for their members and negotiating a better deal. Four percent pay rise instead of eight percent! Homer Simpson could do better!
3. After no pay rise since 1988, it's no real surprise that the average ambo is earning just $20 to $24 per hour, forcing these officers to come in on their rostered days off to do overtime to try to make ends meet.
Compare the advanced lifesaving skills and training they have to other professions, both public and private sector. Add in the conditions under which they work: first on the scene at car accidents and other carnage, treating druggies and alcoholics, attending domestic disputes and fights. This is part of their day-to-day job. Would you (or any sane person) do that for just $20 per hour? But they do, and they provide great professional care, all times of the day and night, 24/7. It's no wonder they are consistently voted the most trusted profession. And they are a profession: they need to have detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology, drugs and pharmacology, what treatments and protocols to use (and, often more importantly, which ones not to use).
Their job is stressful enough without having to top it up with more hours, just to provide for their own families. They should be paid a professional wage! How demoralizing it is for them.
4. Poor work conditions. On the Central Coast, the standard day shift is 8:00 am to 6:00 pm -- a 10-hour shift. However, it's actually worse than that: in that 10-hour shift, the norm is to miss out on a meal break because of the outrageous workload put on these guys, and then to cop mandatory overtime. So a 10-hour shift becomes 11-12 hours of non-stop work. Seriously!
Here on the Central Coast, ambos have the same workload as Sydney Metro have with half the staff. As you can imagine, these guys are all burnt out, depressed and feel neglected.
So, Nanna, that's the background on life for our ambos. I am looking forward to speaking to you on air to let the public know. It's time to back our ambos.
I would like to summarise:
Good people doing an extraordinary job under conditions that most of us couldn’t believe or have the capacity for. Extremely high stress factors, fatigue and burn out. Being faced with assaults on a daily basis both verbally and physically by the people they deal with; people with mental illness, the drug affected. Always seeing the sad and depressing side of life. I know for a fact that my friend has been threatened with broken bottles, knives and, on two occasions, a gun. They never know what they are about to-walk into.
The work they do definitely has to have an impact on their family life. I’m proud to have a mate who is an ambo and to know many of his fine friends.
Let's look after them. They are there for us and we should likewise be there for them.
The public can see the frustration and true feelings of our ambos at this blog!!!
Am first timer, great site where you can have your say without fear of managerial retribution or have the HSU put their own watered down spin on the real issues.
Couldn`t believe the HSU were stupid enough to go along with a 4% pay increase and give the government/service some publicity cred when the shit hits the fan from ambo`s. No doubt this will be their first line of defence when questioned about our action over a pay rise and the never ending story of the D&D. Sorry no news here just another vented spleen. Thanks for the chance.
hi its really coming along now all the comments,but what might be a good idea is if Ambos could start putting with their comments what region or area they are from.This will help with the coasties meeting next week.It will let them and others know that this blogg is getting around the state.keep going its great.
Thank you "RealAmbo" ! at last we have a tool at our disposal with which to fight those scum suckers. And it is a fight ..... ! and you had better believe it !
The senior management in this job have found themselves a couple of king bullies that could not give a shit about any of us,only there contracts and bonuses when they come in under budget. Forget trying to reason with these guys.... they are bullies and the prefects who are supposed to be our own and watching this shit (HSU) are in bed with the arsholes. In my experience , There is only one laungauge a bully understands and that is outright defiance, I say SMACK the BUlly (Management) ... and sack the prefect (HSU). And if you think the union is some sort of protection blanket and are going to come charging to your rescue when the bully pounds you for no apparent reason, THINK AGAIN ! Ambulance history is littered with ambos who have been unfairly treated and have gone to the union for help but have been hung out to dry ! If you dont believe that, just think about people you know at your station.
I, like you have been kicked, punched, spat on, shat on and verbally and physically abused on numerous occasions through out my career. I have seen many good ambos leave because of our bullshit union and have watched in shame as even when good officers have taken there own life !( and we all know at least one ).... nothing gets done !I have seen things that i know will come back to haunt me later in life when i have left this job and all for the princely sum of $25 hr. I have dared michael williamson to publish in Sirens the results of the union satisfaction servey completed last year, but he has just ignored me !
There time is over guys.... do not give them a second chance...vote with your money as i and many others have and resign now. Stand up for yourselves and let them both know that playtime is OVER!
PLREASE ALL YOI AMBO'S WHO READ THIS SITE PASS IT ON TO OTHE FRIENDS OR AMBO;S AND LET THEM KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING TO US ROAD STAFF!
SENDO OFF EMAILS TO REBA MEAGHER MICHAEL WILLIAMS SENIOR CITIZENS GROUPS ANYONE YOU CAN THINLK OF!
The organisational psychology people tell us that good pay decreases disatisfaction but does little to improve satisfaction. That is,it might stop our whinging for a bit but it won't make our experience of work any more enjoyable.
Issues such as
work quality,
challenge,
career structure and development,
good feedback mechanisms,
decent leadership,
fair selection processes,
and an ability to contribute in a way that actually makes a difference are incredibly important to the average ambo's perception of their work.
I feel that all this talk about pay only is just part of the picture and it can make us sound shallow and money grubbing. If we can put across a more positive agenda (ie. the things management should be doing anyway) we will have the moral high ground. Based on past experience, it's unlikely that HSU will be a suitibale vehicle for this.
So to those who say they want change stop being gutless, no anonymous comments!
Nice comment from the Uni Kid. Hopefully young man or woman it will be better times for your and your student friends, if you still decide to choose the Ambulance Service as your career path. Good wishes for your futures.
Iam from the central coast does anyone know if this blogg is getting out to all the state?.Also one cannot not just leave it up to the central coast boys to get the ball rolling.Illawarra were against the 4% so what are you guys up to,to get the ball rolling!.They cant do it by themselves.Other sub branches are going to have to make a start this week.its all together or it wont work.If your delegets are opposed to kicking up a stink them you may need to remove them from their position,fast. from the central coast.
I feel a lot of love out there gang! While all are waiting to see what eventuates from the Coasties, get on your laptops and pc's and let them have it!
michaelwilliamson@hsu.asn.au
reba.office@meagher.minister.nsw.gov.au
Hit your local news papers
Senior Citizens
Remember that saying about the spueaky wheel. Be very squeaky. Now!
great we finally have a voice.
i'm in!!
CRAIG THOMSON Federal mamber fo Dobell uo on the Central Coast.
Craig.Thomson@alp.org.au
Craig is also the National Sectretary of the HSU!
I smell a rat!
Let him have it!
Some pressure may help!
We have had too many opportunities in recent times to hold the government to ransom. Reality is there is widespread public support for ambos to recieve the wages we deserve. Ask your friends, neighbours & others how much we should be paid, or a comparison to other emergency services.
We had the opportunity to bring the racing industry to its knees, before equine influenza, we had the opportunity to strike, but, there was no determination to do it. The Union takes us to the brink & then leaves us floating.
Managment only want to screw us, they only want to get their bonuses. I believe that we, as a collective group, need to demand the immediate sacking of all managment down to divisional manager, the immediate sacking of the ambulance board. The board should be truly independant & monitor the BS that managment dispells. We should call for an immediate severence from the Department of Health for funding & be a seperate entity, not a competing entity for the limited funding given. The board, being independant should hear from those on the coalface, the real face of the ambulance service.
Lets get serious, these morons are self serving morons. If we were fair dinkum, we shouldn't just fight for skills upgrades, but als to force those dinosours to upgrade as well. By doing that, there is no excuses for witholding pay increases to the masses.
The feeling is that maybe the guys down the coast are going to implement a total Overtime Ban and all meals off station (day and night)from tuesday.
If this is the case all us other sub-branches need to get on board the same time as them. It is pointless letting their arses dangle in the breaze while we try an organise meetings with less than enthuised delegates.
If we do not support them then it is all over.
If you are one of the Ambo's that says they can't afford it. Well than I say to you that is a fucked way to live. Having to rely on penalties all the time to get by. Sacrafice now for a better future.
If we all support them it WILL NOT last long.
Remember what the Service thinks your worth.
Nurses have just had another pay rise.
Teachers are going for a 100% pay rise.
This is the time they want us to be quite. (election)
Please see this as the oportunity the Coast does as a real chance to force some action.
THIS IS THE LAST DANCE
If all Sub-Branches DO NOT support the coasts lead.
The only excuse for not being at mon nights SB meeting is you're on duty and on a job, or you;ve just died.
i can live with the fact that you think we are worthless mr rochford. but the fact that you think nothing of our spouses and children, or for their welfare should we be injured, or worse in the line of duty. shame, shame, shame. you have lost the trust and respect of your workforce, time to go !!!
central coast
Nanna. I agree with all you ambo's! I mentioned when i was on yours site before, us oldies will help. Just show us how. I hope you don't mind me butting into your site. Nanna!
I'm not sure if i can do it that quick but if i can get some of us from the Central Coast senior Citizens movement along would it help?
nanna you're most welcome. the more support you can muster the better. you could start by letting your politicians know what you think. thanks very much for your support.
There is a lot of pissed off people directing fire at the HSU. I agree with what has been written. I think that we should look towards change, remember our strength is in our numbers. Until then, we have to work with what we have. We need a coordinated approach to attack the bastards. This means each sub branch needs to support each other. We need to forget if we are coast, city or country, but look to be 1 union fighting for all.
All the bastards in managment are doing is a simple strategy called divide & conquor. The offer one sub branch a carrot, but a sneaky & dont publish the fact & win them on something small, to use it against them later. WE MUST BE UNITED, no matter what union we are members of.
We need to have 1 Award, no local agreements, for all staff so we are all equal, not some more equal than others. We need to have any suggestions put to a sub branch by managment dealt with by our union & advising all sub branches of what is on offer. That way we can ensure we keep tha bastards honest.
To those managers who by now have been reading this blog, you are probably feeling a little uncomfortable " AND YOU SHOULD BE !" because unless you are completly stupid, it will by now, be blatently obvious to you that you have lost control ! You are no longer dealing with a bunch of seperate little groups that can be hood winked and controlled by telling differing stories to each one and then hoping that by the time we realise what is going on, you have implemented your plan. NO .... ! you are now dealing with a highly motivated, intellectually superior, passionate and VERY angy UNITED group of brothers who who will stop at NOTHING to get what they so rightly deserve.
And to the rest of you, what management would dearly like you to think is that this blog is just a few rebel angry ambos and that the majority of people are not of this opinion. Show them by adding your blog and ensuring that every one of you contact at least five other ambos today and encourage them to do the same.
to the Nanna
if you live on the central coast then please contact Marie Andrews she is your local MP.Also you could get incontact with the opposition,Chris Hartcher.
Put pressure on your local MP,ring them or write to them,here on the central coast we take care of alot of seniors with great pleasure i might add.we want to continue but you too need to help us.thanks for your imput.you have a greater influence that ever before keep that in mind.
central coast ambo.
hi maybe its time to put a class action on.for all the money the coasties and sydney people have lost with not being paid the 1 hour on night shift.No where does it say we sacrifise that hour for sleep.Does anyone know a lawyer who can give us some info over the blogg.The Ambulance svc and the Government have saved Millions of dollars by not paying us that 1 hour.Where else in Australia do you work for nothing?who knows a lawyer surly someone has one in their family for some advice.
From Sydney region.
craig.
where are you craig??
a bit hard to spread yourself around when you have a conflict of interest is'nt it?
make sure you let the people of dobell know that if they get a federal labour party, that you wont be rocking the boat.
Ok.. i have put my money where my mouth is and i too have resigned from HSU. Further more, i am prepared to pay one years subscription (UP FRONT)! to any group / body, who is prepared to represent my my interests in a fair and unbiased way with no political aspirations.For the rest of you, if you feel uncomfortable about actually resigning from the HSU "and i have no idea why that would be" then how about suspending all union fees (starting next week) !
What are we called? "CDA" -the hospital staff in Sydney still refer to us as this, are we "Ambulance Service of NSW", this is written on the cheap vans we drive or are we "Ambulance". Ambulance ???which ambulance.
We are so far up the health depts arse and just an area health service of the dept. Yes HSU is crap but we need to get out of the health portfolio and come under the Emergency Services banner. Why?
So we can turn around and state the real issues on hospital delays, we can have good reliable equipment and more. Dont you love attending jobs and seeing volunteer organisations such as RFS, SES turn up better equipped and attired than us
What are we doing about the new "overseas Paramedic recruits"?
Nothing against recruiting suitable Paramedics from overseas however if it is so they can be RPL'd to level 5 (hence no level 5 courses for next year)this is not on. So much for merit based system, poor suckers that have done the work for years in the service trying or hoping they can jump thru hoops to be a level 5. Where is the opportunity to progress in this service? And why do the OS recruits need to get a bonus or relocation allowance??? Does anyone have any further information?
The service is full of young guns with only a few years service. These guys do not know the history.
They do not know how things have changed, change is a good thing, however when the officers of the service are being overrun by pen pushers who have no idea of the job requirements its not good.
The public needs to see how Rozelle has become a haven for pen pusher being paid big dollars to write circulars and memos. As a brother earlier said a job is reclassified and earns $40 thousand more. Our job changed , new skills and drugs, new requirements added responsibilities we get 4% peanuts
hang tight brothers and sisters.
we need to remain united. i call on all sub branches to declare the vote on 4% INCREASE NULL AND VOID probably illegal. this decision was made under duress (within an hour) and without consultation with the general membership!!!!
lets re-vote at a statewide stopwork meeting next monday,thats a weeks more notice than they gave us.
oh and lets not trade off one anothers penalties and allowances with without consultation. different sectors require different allowances and penalties to help make ends meet with this pathetic wage.
if they want to advertise overseas for paramedics i suggest they start in 3rd world countries first, people there may find the wage attractive.
It's our livelyhood thats being eroded! Thats worth fighting for! We're just not making noise for the hell of it!
Who can set up a system so "By-Proxy" votes are done via email?
If this is possible we might get some better figures to play with.
Central Coast.
Its really simple folks.An hourly increase to all uniformed officers as put forward to the HSU over 2 yrs ago, but now adjusted upwards by 10% due to us being stuffed around for so long and the cost of living sky rocketing. Also D & D, meal breaks on night shifts and rostered penalties for sick leave. We'll work out the new award later Don't allow ASNSW, Health and HSU complicate it with any other issues like trade-offs. Keep it simple. Maintain the rage!
I have just found out about the site and I love it. I have forwarded it on to every ambo I can.
I must say that I am one of those delegates that agreed to the 4% and while I was disappointed I did not have the mandate from members to turn down any real offer. If we want to give our delegates a clear mandate that they will not accept any offer less than 25% for example it gives us something to work with when we have sudenly less than an hour to make these decisions.
On that note I see the 4% as nothing more than an admission from the ASNSW that we are grossly underpaid and undervalued. I truly believe that the non-uniforms in the Rozelle ivory tower actually hate us because we speak our minds and cause them trouble. This has usually been in the interest of the patients and the community. It has only been recently that we are finally making some noise for ourselves.
This union does seem to only react for us when we kick up. This is because we are often compliant and spend most of our union energy trying to fix the Service. It is time to focus on us, our families and the recognition of the true value of our contribution to the community.
Comments on this site show that people are on our side. I do not have faith that an arbitrated pay deal from the IRC will give us what we are truly worth. The IRC will follow the lead of the Govt and award what they can afford.
I, too was frustrated at the result of the mass meeting and voted to keep the paperwork bans on. We need to win this in the public forum and not in the IRC to get what we are worth
As far as the comments on the delegates and the sub-branch executives go. I will make it clear to all my members that if they are unhappy with my perfomance I will immediately step aside and let someone else take the role uncontested. I hope all those who are quick to bag their executive put their hands up to take on the position and put their money and time where their mouth is.
the central coast are having their meeting tonight.I sure hope you all out there are going to support these men and women.if not you may as well give up now.Dont let just a few make a noise and put their lively hood on the line,they to have familys to care for.No one wants to lose there job or worse go to goal for standing up for their members,so its important we stick together,bans will only last a short time.I give it aweek of serious bans and watch them crumble.we have gone without for so long now,aweek or a couple of weeks is all it will take.then we will get what we are worth!
The Australian Colledge of Ambulance Professionals represent and promote professional issues in our profession. Could they be an independent representative for us???? Does anyone know???
No. ACAP are more interested in promoting education (a good thing) and selling panic pouches to level 1.
I guess as a body they could let the service know that P1 training sucks and completing 5 IV's on road is pathetic
T Rex, good to have you onboard brother and we are brothers. Lets look after our own! What we are after is nothing more that fair! We are neglected and rorted! Lets fight the smart battle, no get personal and see where we go! Good on you mate!
No one is going to gaol or lose their jobs, The public is not at risk! First sign of union or irc of ambulance pressure, straight to the media with an interview on radio or tv about why we are mad! They don't know we don't have what the other services have, they take it for granted! The media is ready to go! Lets see how the coasties go and take it from there. We can be on the raadio as early as tomorrow. We are the good guys!
We should leak info to the media via a third party. I am sure A Current Affair would love to read this blog
i'm sure the executive of sub branches are trying to do the right thing by us, other wise they wouldn't be putting in so much of their own unpaid time. but please no more absured decisions (4%) without consulting with members. a decision within a hour ....bullshit!!!
this blogg has been sent to every radio station and tv show there is.I know ive sent it.But know reply i guess they like an ambo only when they need one!!!.
Iam only the wife though, i dont have much say or do they think iam only your typical whinging wife!!!!!All i can do is but try.I have to do it without my last name,i dont want my husband to get the sack or worse a hard time at work.I will keep trying to let the public know.we partners can do our bit too.
anonymous,
it is our 'whinging wives' that keep us going. this pay rise is as much for them & recognition of the times they spend wondering when we will be home, raising our children as sole parents because we are not there, called out etc.
you have as much right to whinge as we do.
I dont know if i could be a non ambo married to one. i tip my hat to you ma'am
dear brothers, its time to act, how long do we have to sit here and listen to their lies, while they are feathering their own nests at our expense. our union fees have nearly doubled in the last few years,and no doubtedly so has our union officals wages. i'd like to know how much of a pay rise they have had. its time to act lets all stick together and show these mongrels what we think. send back the 4% and refuse to pay our union dues until they sort this mess out. they are laughing at us, each time stall and come up with some ludicrous offer. hit now, hit hard and don't stop till we achieve a fair and just wages and conditions.
Great stuff, we need some (a lot) of unity within our ranks. This is were we fell over. The mass meeting was a fucking shambles, the majority of wankers voted to stop the industrial action. We lost momentum at that point. The IRC virtually told the HSU to accept the 4%, why, because we talk big, with no substance to back it up.The service, especially that prick rochford, know that the majority of us will fold. I am an ambo, a pissed off ambo, we need to back this union, back it all the way. Talk to as many people as we can and ensure they stay focussed on the goal. Fucking 4%, they insult us like that, yet we dont fight. Get your sub branch, have a meeting and try to get as many there as you can,vote on industrial action, the union has to do this for its members. Take charge guys.
thankyou out west ambo I will keep it up.whinging wife!!!!!!!
Any Coasties out there. What happened at your meeting? We are keen up here to keep the fight going.
Been there ... done that ... this is a never ending saga that has transpired over the past 30 years i have been in this (circus) job.
Here is 30 years of road based experience as a front line paramedic for you to chew over -
One of the key issues that underpins the demise of your work values and job descriptions is based around a small group of elite people who, over the years, have successfully created splinter specialist groups within the clinical arm of the service. As much as this will anger these groups, their actions have done nothing more than cause fragmentation throughout the service. This fragmentation leads to a scenario that takes away the power of many (us) to influence change and dictate policy. The result is obvious - lots of little groups fighting for their own piece of the pie - at the expense of their fellow officers.
Nothing will ever be acheived whilst this service remains fragmented with elitist groups protecting their part of the pie. No uniformity will ever exist and as such nothing will ever change.
Take a look through the paramedic history - once a powerful and motivated group within the service, clinically focused, with a medical advisory board that would defend you to a tee. Now - reduced to nothing more than a glorified taxi service.
And after this area we move on to Rozelle, Education, Co-Ord etc etc etc ....
The whole damn service is so full of these 'special' little people and as such, you and me, the people who actually work those 14 hour night shifts with no break, get very little say and are the essential minority in the whole equation .... nothing is going to change unless some SERIOUS changes are put in place.
I hear that Rocheford is going to be on ABC 92.5 FM (central ccoast) around 11.00.
Hi All,
A meeting took place at Terrigal Station with 42 (hostile) members in attendence very quickly outcomes were as follows:
1.The Sub Branch requested that and URGENT State Delegates Meeting was to be held to review the wage claim with a view of finalising the claim (money component). That the Executive enquire also into why the : 25 years retirement and the payment of projected roster (on all forms of leave) had been ommited.
4.The Sub Branch felt that the CEO should be stood down as what appears to be standard procedure with all other staff until the investigation into the service is complete.
2. That there be a State wide video link up to allow ALL members the right to their opinion,the abilty that during this link up that a stop work meeting should occur.
3.Members were offered resignation forms and were advised that under HSU guidelines they had to give 13 weeks notice. This would be enough time for the HSU to expidite the claim.
Jim Stirling
SEC
Brisbane Water
It's time to take it off safety and go over the top.
We have to stop being sheep.Where are the Rams we used to have. I have been in the job for 27 years and remember the Paramedic association emerging in the 80s as a strong force.Examples as to what our inept 'Leaders'focussed on best delivery practise was for Paramedics had to resign their clinical skills when going bush. Through the sqeaky wheel effect this was reversed.
We need to highlight our current problems rather than supporting them. Sabre rattling can only play into the hands of management(the enemy), lets play it smart.Divided they conquer united they fall.
Talk of merging with the Victorian union some twenty years ago scared the bejusus of the HAREA(HSU) as it was called in that day but it was very expensive and problematic to happen.To effect change we need to demonstrate a strong resolve but following clear and common goals of all ambos.
Information is power eg who has seen the new uniform? I bet there wont be any discussion when it is distributed. Case in point!
I read with much alarm some of the comments that are placed on this site that appear to have no short or long term strategy behind them. I am compiling a more comprehensive response to the many generalised issues but think it is necessary to Jim Stirling's comment/statement of outcomes of the Brisbane waters sub branch meeting.
In numerical order:
1. You need to direct your questions or concerns to our awards committee members who have done a lot of work on our behalf unpaid and have had to vet no doubt many other worthy claims out besides the ones you mention in your comment.
2. LInk up has merit but it cannot be a stop-work meeting for at least two reasons. First being that the public know that we are the good guys and we need their support to win any issue. Two is that our award and certainly no award in NSW legally allows us to have a complete stop work meeting. Please refer to Chapter 7 Enforcement, section 357 Civil penalty for breach of industrial instruments of the Industrial Relations Act of NSW (1996) where we as individuals can face fines of up to $10,000.
3. Members resigning from HSU or giving notice to resign is certainly not the answer as it is the full bench of the NSW industrial relations commission who has set the timetable for our work value case, not our union.
4. Whilst a lot of members may think the CEO should be stood down during the review, it is the organisation that is under review and it is not the professional standards and conduct unit or the independant commission against corrution performing the investigation.
Whilst this information may not please some people, they are the facts. If you want to discuss the responses feel free to contact me on 0438829974 later today as i hope to finish nightshift at 7am and am back tonight.
Brett Campbell
Brett Campbell you would have to be kidding with your comments.Rochford is a dog,the HSU have done nothing for the ambos,yet they continue to take $21 afortnight.This claim has been in for nearly 3 years.The longest claim in Australian history i bet.Who are you working for? not the same people my husband is working for .!!!!!As for not getting the public on side,this is just bullshit,this is what the HSU tries to pull, ambos were voted the most respected weren't they? by the Bloody public!
come back to earth Brett!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi my gandson has told mw about the Central Coast meeting. Waiting to see where you guys go from their and how we can help!
another thought for contemplation. "your rights at work" campaign that the union is charging us extra for. actually we've seen that with a labour state gov't we actually have less chance of "rights at work" because the frigging unions wont persue claims. i'll bet it would be a different story if we had a liberal state govt. we'll have no hope with a federal labour govt, too many aspiring politicians in the union ranks these days. sounds like fraud to me..taking money under false pretence.
Wow what a great site... i am reading this with delight, but no suprise ! and whilst i am also very angry at the total lack of respect from our managemnet, i am glad to finally see in writing what i have been hearing from litterally hundreds of ambos for almost 20 years now, and that is that we need to "piss of HSU" if we ever want anything good for ambos. come on guys ...! i have been sitting at hospital for countless hours listening to you all say how you despise our pathetic "goverment arse licking" union and how you would drop them like a hot brick if you had another option !
Well here it is !.... This is your chance to say GOODBYE to those fraudsters who having been fleecing you of litterally thousands of dollars over the years and offering nothing in return, but you need to get real.... 150, 200 or even 300 blogs is not going to force this issue... 1,000 people by the end of this week should be our target !
Many people still do not know about this site... we need to text, email or talk to every ambo we know TODAY !
brett.
i guess we'll just sit on our hands and do nothing for another 12 months shall we ?
not bloody likely mate!
Dear Brett.
Exactly what I would expect to hear from a HSU puppet.
For your information chapter 7 of IR act 1996 is REPEALED. As in there is NONE.
A link up has alot of merit and as we are not an Emergency Service a stop work meeting is not illegal.
Be reminded we democratic Country. As demonstrated by the Victoria Nurses, Strong Industrial Action can reap positive outcomes for our members.
There was a recent State Delegates meeting held in Sydney, A number of Allegations came to light that PERSONALLY pertained to the CEO and senior management staff so this is the focus of the investagation. NOT road staff. NOT Scat. NOT rescue. The CEO and Senior Management.
You are a Classic example of the MINORITY of Ambulance officers that make it harder for us to achieve our goals. And you are the MINORITY, you probably don't realise this fact because NO ONE talks to you any way.
I can't wait to see your comprehensive resolutions your working on. No dobt it will have something to do with bending over.
The only FACT you can be 100% sure of is that "YOU HAVE NO IDEA".
I am talking MANAGEMENT material.
Death and Disability
All members have been provided with D&D cover since 10th Nov 2006 obtained by HSU and your representatives.It is the service that has not provided any information. I do not hear members complaining that they are not paying for it yet.
3c&P1
Your elected representatives rejected the introduction of upgraded skills without increased wages. It was ambulance officers that were prepared to enhance the service to the community without a wage rise.So your representatives had to allow the introduction of skills.
4% INTERIM PAYRISE
I was at the mass meeting. In relation to the number of officers OFF DUTY that could have attended but did,nt WE were quite few.It was at this meeting that the lifting of the bans restricted the progress of our claim.Unfortunatly we were not enough to change the vote. After consultation with the IRC we made the decision on what we belived to be in the best interest of our members to accept the 4% on offer as a commencement date that is recognised by the service of our increased skill base. It will be hard for the service to not recognise this as a minimum backpay date when we get the further increase.We have been pursuing this for 2 years so they have now have accepted that we have increased our skills over this entire period. I agree that we should have kept the issue in the public spot light however it has passed. We now need to band together and provide a united front so as the case can be progressed with the service being under no illusion that we are committed to the end.
Overworked Under payed
What would it be like if HSU and your representatives had not gained 339 new positions over the last few years.
The ambulance membership make up a small percentage of HSU yet it is highly represented by HSU in the IRC. No other Union would be so willing to provide the funding we use to represent you. I agree that we may need to take our own concerns and welfare to a new level but as it is always put to us when significate action is required. (I live in the town I cannot let it down). That is why we are the most respected people.
Your Union HSU is only as strong as its membership.
Well said s.davies... you are on the money ! im very happy to be associated with people like yourself. And We will win ..., because i am listening to the staff after visiting this website and i can see some of those soft cocks you talked about at the begining getting harder each and every minute we keep the management and HSU under this sort of pressure. They want it to be true, they just need some reasurance that the sky wont fall in if we give HSU the arse. And to them i say "IF WE BUILD IT..... THEY WILL COME !"
JusT heard Willis on C Coast radio say something about matters progressing in Feb O8. Is that when he and the rest of management comes back from Holidays?????
Ambo's are wonderful. Lots of talk using anonymity. Anonymous talk is not creditable. Where were all you so called majority ambo's at the mass meeting. What is unclear about the statement "your delegates did not pass this motion". Subsequently it was passed by a majority. For the record I am as pissed off as you all appear to be about the bans being lifted. However it was members who voted to cease industrial action. Not HSU. Any union is as only as strong as its members. Do you think this would be any differnet under another banner? I dont think so. We would still have gutless ambo's writing anonymous comments about moving back to HSU.
Does anyone know which October the new uniform was going to be rolled out???
The new uniform will be rolling out in Sydney November 2007 with the rest of the state completed by Feb 2008. This is not inclusive of Rescue & SCAT. We are still dealing with the operations Centres and Patient Transport Officers.
Another point the service has let us down. Did the circular not say October?
just a thought that while you (Being the members who will not stand up for themselves)are losing money every day.Not just money for now but money that will be going into your super.Extra money to keep you in your old age.You young ones out there who have only been in the svc for 5 mins would not even give this a thought.Fare enough, but the day will come when you are sitting in your lounge room,thoothless and eating slop because you didnt fight while you were young to have a better retirement.Dont rely on the government for a pension,there proberly wont be one around in 20 to 30 years. So while you sit there on your hands procrastinating on a, will I or wont I, support the fight,go and have a look at you latest super fund and work out how much you will have when you retire.I bet it wont be enough.
From the toothless warrior,(retired)central coast
Oh yes the central coast comes through again.Willing to stand up and be counted.We breed them tough up here!.But will they have any followers.How much do poeple want a pay rise?How far will people go to get one?Mmmmmmmmmm,this will be interesting,all i know is iam tierd of being the good guy.No one out there pays my bills or pays for a nice holiday with my family!!!!, and for those who dont support the central coast,in their proposals please make sure you donate your pay increase to the union members who have stuck thier necks out to get the increase.
just remember they are working for the better of all,not just themselves!!!!!!!!!
I am relatively new to this job and will be the first to admit that i know very little clinically about what it takes to be a good ambo. But i am not 18 and i am not blind. The senior managemnet in this job could not give a shit about the road staff and wouldnt have a clue about the meaning of the word INTEGRITY ! You do not have to be a rocket scientist to work out that in this sort of environment that you need a SERIOUS gaurd dog to watch when you are sleeping, not some performing bloody Monkey (HSU). P.s. i am really pissed that i got sucked into signing up when i first joined.
to all members you can't rely on central coast and illawarra to do all the work you all have to put your hands. if not than don't expect any of the rewards.the old unionist who fought and gave up weeks+ would be turning in their graves.you members who don't want to put yourselves out will lose a lot more in the long run
Why change your union?
You have a financial intrest in it.
Vote Williamson and his mates out, His predessessors were removed this way, when they got in they actually were doing a good job. They have now gone by their useby date and are showing the contempt typical of someone who has been in too long with no threat to their positions.
The same with sub-branch officials, they too often are left for years because no one else stands up. I have been a past president, vice president and secretary, I became dissillusioned by whingers who won't stand up when push comes to shove and left me embarresed when they folded under pressure or would not attend meetings to discuss issues, (many a meeting was cancelled due to a lack of quorum). Piss off the dead wood, make the HSU aware that they work for you, advise you and guide you to achieve a fair pay and conditions.
So what to do now?
1/ Leave the HSU and give yourself a $500 per year payrise?
2/Look for a better union?
3/ Progress OUR OWN union that better supports NSW Ambos.
In the meantime...
Tell everyone about this site (including the media)
DO NOT SIGN the HSU form that automaticly deducts their union subscriptions from you pay.
This is your pay and if for any reason you decide to leave the HSU, change unions (fingers crossed) or resign from the ASNSW you are required to give ?? 8 weeks notice (someone can confirm this)
Another reason not to sign is because if you are like me, I take my pay out as soon as it is in the bank. If I dont have enough money in the account for any reason and the HSU take their subscriptions, I would be charged a dishonour fee.
And thirdly the union subscriptions are displayed on out group certificates for tax deduction at tax time. If you elect for the HSU to take this money out of you bank account, it will not apear on you end of year group certificate.
Therefor DO NOT SIGN THE FORM and if you already have... ring the HSU.
Signed Kenzadick (Ken is a Dick. its french for fuckwit)
Can you please change the format of this page so the oldest message is on the bottom of the page?
Guess what troops Michael williamson of our HSU is also the SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT of the NSW LABOUR PARTY! Hey gang. the Penny has dropped. Stay tuned for media feedback, very, very soon! Snakes! No wonder there is no media campaign. Sack them all!
Don't Let Mike Willis off the hook. He is worse than Greg Roachford. Roachford has to wear a suit, Willis was issued with a uniform and chooses not to wear it.
He prefers to wear a thousand earings, fluff under his lip and prance around like a f..
MICHAEL WILLIS, WEAR YOUR FUCKING UNIFORM AND BE PROUD OF WHO YOU REPRESENT?
Guys i have been following this site, the last week and wow "what a corrupt, corrupt bunch of weasles" you are dealing with. At our next meetining i will address all the oldies and try to get something emaied state wide to senior citizen groups regarding the corruption from the CEO down the line in the NSW Ambulance Service. Hang in there ambo's, you are great and do a great job! Also a big thanks to Scott Levi of the ABC Central Coast for letting us know your problems and the corruption in the Ambulance Service and your union , HSA ? I cant believe the head state health union man is the right up there in the Labour Party and you also have Craig Thomson, Federal member as the Sectretary of something high up as the National head man. Shame on you both. Pay these guys now! and give them their Death Injured scheme now. Nanna! If i had teeth i would bite you both!
Are most of you people on the drugs you give people. You are not the majority, you are a MONORITY. Why do you think the motion was voted down. You are obviously ill informed about how these processes work. Any dispute goes to the IRC. They make rulings. Not HSU. If you dont like it then leave HSU. I am sure you will have no problem signing waivers so you will not benefit from HSU attained work productivity pay increases in the future.
Terry, maybe you should take drugs! Help us get out of the union and we will! It's not that easy, fella!
new ambo put your money where your mouth is piss off. I bet you dont.
Reply to Terri
sure the IRC makes the rulings but who has the control here.
I dont see the IRC driving around with lights and sirins, do you?,at the end of the day its the members who are doing the driving so therefore they are the ones with the control."power in numbers"
central coast!!!!!!!
To the person who asked, "can you please change the format of this page so the oldest message is on the bottom of the page?" We'd love to, but we can't figure out how to do this!
The best we can suggest is to click on "Collapse comments" near the top of the page. You can still click on individual comments to see what they say, but it should make it easier to scroll down to the latest comment(s).
Sorry
I beleive the HSU is weak and we need to either at a sub brach level start telling what we want or move to another union.
Is this award claim going to take the same time as the new uniform (which still isnt on the intranet for officers to see)
I see the union never published the result of the vote to the members on out last vote about industrial action either, so what was the count ???
I know the union is made up by it members, as we are told by our sub- brnaches but the last resolution that we voted on was worded like you were trying sell a bloody datsun 120y as a mercedes
and the union saying that we didnt want to strike during APEC because it would look like we would be taking the oppurtunity to cash in (or was that because we were providing the ambualnce escorrt for george bush (johnny howards liberal mate) or is that just coincidence) , how about telling the world this has been going for 2 years
The union doesnt support us when it coms to idustrial action anyway, you cal the union and ask them how we are menat to fill out the case sheet for the non transport because 3 people have call you and its 5 minutes after the start of your shift,and they say we cannot send anything out because its illegal to do that (so eveyone does it differently so much for the brotherhood and working as one)
why dont we stand up and insist that we are an emergency service need to taken away from the department of health and fight for what we are worth.
Mr anonymous, you are either ignorant or stupid, you dont have the numbers. That is why the (i'll highlight it for you) MAJORITY voted the motion passed!
Guys and Girls
for 20 plus years we have been fighting the battles that management wants us to. We agitate for new staff or better funding for the service, but don't fight for the things that are important to us, i.e. wages and working conditions. Russell Thompson posted some good info a couple of posts back, (Russ I don't know how you have continued to fight the fight for so long hats off to you mate) Lets be careful not to belittle the efforts of the SB reps, they are ambos just like us and its a prick of a job they do for you and me. Lets be courageous enough to identify ourselves on this blog and show we truly believe in what we are saying. 10 years ago when I was a SB rep I cautioned against taking on 3C skills without payment. I was called elitist by some back then, funny but I've had an allowance for the skills I have used in that time, what about the ones who accepted skills without remuneration??? Be strong, be angry, but above all BE SMART!!!
Wake up Terry, get on the down hill slide! About time the rates deserted the sinking ship!
Terry, you are boring! Go to bed or do what ever you do when the sun goes down. Henriek Von Seedy Weasle!
Terry you are Delusional.
Approx. 500 members attended a mass meeting. Approx.100 or more abstained from voting. If you think a win with those numbers is the Majority your fingers along way from the pulse. Like your puppet mate Campbell No one probably talks to you so you would not know how the majority feel.
30 oct at 4:55 is 13 weeks extract from the rules:
8 - ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS
(a) The annual contributions payable by members shall be such amounts as may from time to time and from such date be determined by the branch committee of management of the appropriate branch.
(b) Contributions shall be payable 13 weeks in advance.
(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in these Rules -
(i) the National Executive or a Branch Committee may make arrangements with any employer whereby with the authority of any member or members of the Union contributions payable to the Union are to be deducted by the employer from the salary or salaries of the member or members on a regular basis and paid to the Union;
(ii) a member who has authorised such deduction of his/her contribution to the Union from his/her salary shall, subject to the provisions of paragraph (iii) of this clause, be deemed a financial member of the Union so long as such authority remains in force and provided that such member owes no arrears of contributions, fines, fees or levies;
(iii) where an arrangement referred to in this clause is terminated by the employer or the National Executive or a Branch Committee, the National Secretary or the Branch Secretary may notify in writing any member affected by such termination and a member so notified shall thereupon become liable to pay and shall, within twenty-eight days from the date of such written notice, pay to the Union the balance of any contribution owing for the relevant year (which amount shall be specified in such notice and shall be the amount of the annual contribution payable by that member for that year less such amount or amounts as has or have been deducted by the employer from that employee's salary in respect of such annual contribution) and thereafter shall be liable to pay contributions in accordance with this Rule.
(d) All contributions, fees, fines and levies payable by members of the Union shall be paid to and collected by the appropriate Branch Secretary or his/her duly appointed agent.
(e) A Branch Committee, upon receipt of a written application by a member, shall have power to exempt such member from the payment either wholly or in part of any contributions, fees or levies payable by such member.
NUB
well Terry i would like to correct you its MRS.and no iam not stupid.I thought this blogg was to encourage and support.Oh well we do have some sad creatures on this earth dont we Terry.Get off the blogg if you dont have somethink usefull to say.!!!!!!its strayning my eyes reading your SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From MRS Anonymous
you deserve this Terry we need to stop the in house fighting or better still dont put your name up.You all know Mr i wank myself (Roachford)is reading these bloggs and this is just what he would like.
Mr Anonymous
Steven Davies from Poin Clair you need to get a wife. As for Brett Campbell I have reliable information that you are one and the same person. Personal attacks are a sign of low inteligence.
You know where I am Terry you PEA HEART. Come and see me any time you like. Learn to SPELL INTELLIGENT ONE.
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