News

The Victorian Ambulance Union Incorporated (VAU) has been meeting with Royal Flying Doctor
Service (RFDS) to progress bargaining for the new RFDS Enterprise Agreement (EA). During these
meetings, all sides have had an opportunity to explain the importance of their claims to the other
representatives. This is a tedious but crucial part of bargaining.

As members are aware, both sides can lodge claims in bargaining. RFDS, in their log of claims, are seeking changes to the way annual leave is allocated. They are also seeking changes to the permanent part time arrangements. RFDS have stated that both of these claims are aimed at creating greater flexibility in rostering which is a problem for them. The VAU’s position is clear – any possible change to these conditions would only be considered in the context of an overall improvement for members.
While progress has been slow in some areas, the VAU bargaining team has reached in-principle
agreement to some claims already. These are listed below:

1. Increased ‘Years of Service’ (YOS) for PTOs to five years (currently three)
2. Increased YOS for Opps Centre members to three years (currently two)
3. Eight weeks of paid Parental Leave including two weeks for the non-birthing parent (currently
   RFDS policy but will be included in the EA as a ‘condition’)
4. Family Violence Leave – up to twenty days per year as needed.
5. Casual conversion after six months of a regular pattern of shifts (previously twelve months)
6. $10 student observer allowance.
7. ‘Right to disconnect’ clause added to EA, affirming a member’s right to ignore
   communications from RFDS outside of rostered hours.
   

The VAU are pleased with the progress so far but recognise that there is a lot more to discuss before we can endorse the EA for a member vote. We urge all members who have not yet nominated the VAU as their bargaining representative, to do so ASAP. Contact Bruce or Kerry for a pro-forma. It only takes a minute and makes a big difference ‘at the bargaining table’.

The VAU plan to conduct more member meetings in the new year, as we approach the more intense part of negotiations. We remain confident that the bargaining team, together with all of our members, can achieve a great outcome for RFDS workers.

In solidarity