Tasmanian paramedics walked off hospital ramps on Monday evening, refusing to work any overtime as their dispute with the state government over pay and conditions escalated.
Crews in the north downed tools at 6pm, with southern crews following at 7pm, finishing their rostered shifts on time at every public hospital across the state.
The Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) says paramedics are fed up with being stuck on ramps for hours after their shifts end, unable to get back on the road or home to their families.
HACSU state secretary Robbie Moore said workers simply want what most Australians take for granted.
“Every day, paramedics are expected to stay back indefinitely because of ramping – missing meals, missing family time and putting their own lives on hold,” Moore said.
“That is not just unsustainable, it’s unfair and it’s happening because this government has failed to fix a problem everyone can see.”
HACSU said paramedics should not have to fight just to be able to leave work on time.
The state government says it has tabled several offers, including two 3% pay rises, back pay and a trial of new roster arrangements.
“The government is always willing to sit down and talk to all parties involved and will continue to do so as we have done over a number of months already,” Minister Kerry Vincent said.
Paramedic and HACSU executive member Jan Pur said the heavy reliance on overtime made no sense.
“Really we’re robbing Peter to pay Paul,” Pur said.
“The government cries about having not enough money to pay our wages and yet for some reason they allow this ongoing overtime.”
Members have also raised safety concerns about 14-hour shifts blowing out to 16 hours, often straight after night duty.
Talks between the union and government negotiators on Monday afternoon ended without a breakthrough.
