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The St John representatives, after again explaining their financial situation, repeated that there was nothing more that they could offer in terms of wages, without an increase in the income that they receive from Ambulance Victoria and hospital contracts. This is despite being the only major NEPT company on the Award since their entry into the industry. The VAU feel this may mean we have reached an impasse in bargaining.

Next Steps:

It is time for members to make an important decision. The VAU needs member input about which approach we adopt to reach agreement with St John. There are three possible options from here:

• Accept the offer in its current form.
• Escalate industrial action – beyond the current actions, stoppages of work are likely the next step. In order to be effective, we need a majority of members to endorse and take part in any action.
• Lodge a bargaining dispute at the Fair Work Commission (FWC) – further discussion with St John conducted at the FWC with the assistance of a Commissioner. The FWC considers both parties’ positions and may request financial information or propose outcomes. The proposals would not be binding. If we cannot resolve the pay negotiation at this stage, we can apply to have the FWC arbitrate the dispute. This would mean asking the FWC to decide the pay rates that would apply at the commencement of the Agreement. An outcome in arbitration would not be below the current offer from St John and would not cover any of the other entitlements which are agreed.