The next few months are possibly going to be the most challenging stage we have yet seen during this pandemic. AV, ESTA and NEPT systems will be under even more pressure. You will all be the ones who are asked to give more and more during this period. Accordingly, all your employers need to start looking through a staff welfare lens with every decision they make.
We know this historically has not always been the case so it is going to take some “encouragement” and a mindset shift in some cases. Performance is always the focus of these organisations but they cannot provide the services that the community expects without each of you.
COVID WARNINGS FOR PARAMEDICS
Victorian paramedics’ safety will no longer be put at greater risk when attending residential premises with a new system that automatically warns them whether a known positive case of Covid-19 lives at the home they are visiting. The system will also provide significant benefits for the broader Victorian community, avoiding large-scale furloughing of much-needed ambulance staff that occurs if they are unknowingly exposed to Covid-19.
The AEAV raised the idea of the system some 17 months ago, yet it was ignored by AV and the Department of Health. We are glad they have finally introduced the system but disappointed it has taken this long to implement. Read our full response to the newsHERE.
ROSTER CHANGES
Recently, AV wrote to staff at Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat staff with a proposed permanent change to their rosters. After extensive consultation with our members in the area we responded to AV with a range of concerns about the proposed changes. We were disappointed by the inadequate consultation period for the changes. However, following feedback from affected staff, we understand the changes will not go ahead.
We wrote to AV to ask that in future they avoid the stress of such an inadequate process, by making amendments to their consultation protocols. You can read that letter, and our suggestions HERE.
REVIEW OF FTS CLASSIFICATIONS
AEAV has been supporting members at the Financial Transactional Services (FTS) branch of AV in a recent restructure. As part of that process we have come up against an opaque and confusing Mercer CED Job Evaluation system that has affected members’ classification and pay rates. We have recently requested an internal review of the job evaluations of the FTS roles to better understand the process. You can read more about that HERE.
MICA SELECTION PROCESS UPDATE
The AEAV have recently written to AV to provide feedback on changes to the MICA Selection and Feedback Program. We have raised further concerns about the use of psychometric testing and how the overall outcome scores will be derived. We have also asked how the changes will impact internal recruitment of TM’s, STM’s and Area Managers. Read more, including the letter we sent AV, HERE.
CONFIRMATION OF MATS CI ALLOWANCE
The AEAV has written to AV to confirm that qualified paramedics who take up a role in the Medium Acuity Transport Service will be paid the Operational Crewing Allowance. AV disputed that Clinical Instructors were necessary for the role. The AEAV challenged the lack of recognition for the training function of the role and AV have now agreed to pay the CI allowance to those working with GAP1’s. To read more click HERE.
AV PROVIDES ANOTHER DISMISSIVE RESPONSE RE AOD
Recently we wrote to AV to express our concerns surrounding the processes and procedures for Alcohol & Other Drug testing. Our members have experienced unfair processes that lack transparency and clear justification as to why someone is being targeted for testing. We have heard back from AV, who have doubled down on their position. Their response is once again dismissive and blatantly refuses to answer the questions. AV are unrelenting in their contempt for your rights and welfare when it comes to AOD testing. You can read that letter HERE.
WORK STRESS FACTSHEET
Workplace stress is a serious workplace hazard that can particularly affect workers in the Ambulance Industry because of high intensity work, high levels of overtime and critical incidents. We have put together a factsheet on the topic to help you identify it and deal with it effectively. You can access it HERE.
DISCOUNTED TAX RETURNS FOR MEMBERS
Did you know that AEAV members can access discounted tax returns through our accounting partners AASB, who has a track record of lodging tax returns with Paramedics and other ambulance workers and offers a 10% discount to AEAV members. For more information and to access the deal, click HERE.
JOKE OF THE WEEK
Four engineers get into a car. The car won’t start.
The Mechanical engineer says: “It’s a broken starter”.
The Electrical engineer says: “Dead battery”.
The Chemical engineer says: “Impurities in the gasoline”.
The IT engineer says: “Hey guys, I have an idea – how about we all get out of the car and then get back in again?”.
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, if you have any issues, questions or queries, get in touch by leaving a message on 9287 1713 or email [email protected]
