APA (NSW) Member Update
Monday 16 January 2017
Dear Member,
NSWA today filed an urgent dispute at the IRC about APA (NSW) recommendations to minimise the negative impacts of the current uniforms, which was originally issued in November 2016.
NSWA believes that paramedics would be unsafe if they were to not wear the over shirt or the work shirt. APA (NSW) has a different view, and based on the feedback of members, believes that in hot temperatures and/or humid weather in particular, this uniform poses an unacceptable risk.
APA (NSW) delegates will be meeting with NSWA later this week to discuss any other options that NSWA may have. Paramedics however are being put at risk now, and APA (NSW) will continue to support paramedics who are required to take appropriate risk management steps.
APA (NSW) reminds Paramedics, that along with the recommended measures, they should use established sun smart activities (use wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, stay in shade where possible etc.).
Regards,
APA (NSW) Executive
Your Choice, Your Voice
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A printable copy of this update may be found here.
NSW Ambulance (NSWA) continues to bury their head in the sand when it comes to our uniform.
The current polyester uniform, including the short-sleeved shirt, has been causing work health and safety concerns for
several members in hot and/or humid climates. This is unacceptable.
Today the Australian Paramedics Association (NSW) are commencing industrial action to stand against the announced wage cut by the Premier. For months, Paramedics and other essential workers put our lives and the lives of our families at risk to look after the people of New South Wales during the COVIID-19 Pandemic.
The NSW Premier’s announcement to freeze the pay of public sector workers for 12 months is disgraceful. Paramedics and our frontline colleagues have been used, yet again, as scapegoats for this Government. We are praised as heroes for our hard work, and in the same breath served a pay cut that will ultimately send our wages backwards.