News
15
September, 2023
Constantly Altering Recruitment Exercises
15 September, 2023
The Victorian Ambulance Union has received a large number of complaints from members about recent AV recruitment processes. This includes members who have been told they are not worthy of an interview even though they have acted in these roles for many years, and some have been asked by AV to continue to act in these roles.
31
August, 2023
TRIPLE ZERO VICTORIA
31 August, 2023
The VAU welcomes the tabling of the Triple Zero Victoria Bill 2023 and the proposal to replace the Emergency Services Telecommunication Authority (ESTA) with a new statutory authority named Triple Zero Victoria, with strengthened oversight and partnerships with other emergency services.
29
August, 2023
SAFETY ALERT – Stryker Stretcher Batteries
29 August, 2023
On Sunday nightshift two members from Bairnsdale were exposed to hazardous chemicals when a spare Stryker Stretcher Battery expanded and leaked fumes into the ambulance cabin. Read on for more detail.
23
August, 2023
AV Serious Privacy Breach – UPDATE
23 August, 2023
Our members have informed the VAU that a further detailed communication was sent to them from the Chief Executive yesterday at 1525 hours. Almost 24 hours later, AV have not reciprocated the courtesy of communicating this update to the VAU.
22
August, 2023
AV Serious Privacy Breach
22 August, 2023
This follows a previous breach of privacy in early May 2023 where confidential spreadsheets of pre-employment AOD screens for AV graduates were accessible on the AV intranet. AV only became aware of this privacy breach when informed by the VAU.
15
August, 2023
Allegations of bullying during Workcover
15 August, 2023
Over recent weeks the VAU have received a concerning number of calls from members in tears while on Workcover after suffering a workplace injury in the course of their employment with AV. Read on for more information:
11
August, 2023
NPT Enterprise Agreement – Payment of built-in Overtime explained
11 August, 2023
Under the new Enterprise Agreement, one of the changes relates to meal breaks. Meal breaks will count as time worked. Previously they did not count as time worked, even though they were paid at single time.
10
August, 2023
Ambulance Victoria Budget Cuts
10 August, 2023
Members have informed the union of meeting resistance from Ambulance Victorian management. Members are requested to report any instances of AV management denying essential equipment, training and resources due to “budget cuts” to the VAU at [email protected].
28
July, 2023
Ambulance Victoria Enterprise Bargaining Update 008 – AV need bargaining sabbatical
28 July, 2023
A number of key claims were rejected by AV at the last meeting. This includes our claim for minimum safe staffing in our communications centres. AV have also rejected our claim for an uplift to MICA wages to build an appropriate relativity between ALS. Read for more information...
26
July, 2023
VAU Submission to Non-Emergency Patient Transport Review
26 July, 2023
The VAU has provided our Submission to the NEPT Review, to the Chair of the NEPT Review Steve McGhie. The VAU submission is attached, and people are invited to review it. We would like to the thank our hardworking NEPT members who have contributed to the VAU submission.
25
July, 2023
NPT Agreement 2023 APPROVED!
25 July, 2023
The VAU encourage all NEPT and NPT workers to download a copy of the new EA and keep it handy for reference (attached). Any members who would like explanation or further detail on any aspect of the EA please contact the VAU using the Contact Form.
21
July, 2023
Ambulance Victoria Enterprise Bargaining Update 007 – AV refuse improvement to FWA grievances
21 July, 2023
To date there have been over thirty-three meetings with AV to negotiate a new agreement to replace the 2020 Agreement. In our previous update the VAU informed members of a number of claims being rejected. This includes claims relating to:
30
June, 2023
Ambulance Victoria Enterprise Bargaining Update 006- is Rural Reserve rearing its ugly head again?
30 June, 2023
AV propose altering the way that members are paid for working flexibly including the introduction of a new higher allowance to be payable when a member is rostered to day-to-day reserve. Read on for more information.
28
June, 2023
Media reports regarding Eynesbury bus accident – Patient Transport should never have been privatised
28 June, 2023
The VAU has been made aware of private crews contracted to AV and scheduled to work an AV shift, being directed not to log in as an AV resource and reassigned to perform work under other private contracts with health services.
23
June, 2023
NPT Bargaining Update – Final drafting to prepare for Vote.
23 June, 2023
The VAU and NPT met recently to further discuss the drafted "agreed in-principle" Enterprise Agreement, and the implications of timeframes on wages in relation to the recently released quarterly CPI. Read on for more information.....
21
June, 2023
Ambulance Victoria Enterprise Bargaining Update 005
21 June, 2023
AV has presented its Log of Claims for a new Enterprise Agreement. It contains eleven high level claims which will be discussed in detail. Read on for more information.
19
June, 2023
Ambulance Victoria Enterprise Bargaining Update 004
19 June, 2023
The VAU has continued to bargain with Ambulance Victoria for a new enterprise agreement to replace the 2020 Agreement, which expires on 31 January 2024. To date there have been twenty-seven meetings. Recently the parties have discussed our claims in relation to:
16
June, 2023
National Patient Transport – Enterprise Agreement Update
16 June, 2023
As you know, the VAU and National Patient Transport (NPT) have been bargaining for a new Enterprise Agreement (the Agreement) for NPT employees. After the last bargaining meeting, the parties had reached in principle agreement and turned to drafting the new document. Read on for more information:
15
June, 2023
RFDS Redundancies
15 June, 2023
The VAU is saddened by news announced today by RFDS. As of 1 July, RFDS will no longer have contracts in the Hume corridor and Gippsland and will be ceasing all HSV operations in those areas. It is anticipated that this will take full effect by 23 July 2023.
07
June, 2023
ESTA NEWS – Big Win for Members in Mentoring Allowance Case
07 June, 2023
In a major victory for Victorian Ambulance Union VAU and CWU members working at ESTA, the Magistrates’ Court has confirmed that Workplace Trainers (WPTs) are entitled to a mentoring allowance when performing mentoring duties.