Staff Reporter
Auckland, November 24, 2020
All emergency services operate as normal
First Union has announced that ambulance officers of St John have withdrawn the strike action that they had planned for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 25 and Saturday, November 28, 2020 has been withdrawn following a settlement with St John Ambulance.
A joint communique issued by First Union and St John said that the accord that they have reached is subject to ratification by the members of the Union.
Meanwhile, full emergency ambulance services will be in operation and the public have been asked to continue using 111 to access the ambulance service.
Deficit up by $1 million
The new Agreement will see the full implementation of the Independent Pay Review commissioned by St John while ensuring that no staff member will earn less than they would have from a previous agreement to implement 25% penal rates for nights and weekends for a transitional period.
The St John Board have approved their Executive team’s request to increase the ambulance service operating deficit by a further $1 million to enable this settlement.
Concerns that were raised during bargaining about pay progression for existing call handlers and dispatchers have also been resolved as part of the offer.
‘Excellent Outcome’
First Union Transport, Logistics and Manufacturing Secretary Jared Abbott described the settlement as an excellent outcome for all staff.
“This is a fair offer that will see a number of staff receive significant pay adjustments to reflect their skills while ensuring that everyone benefits. The settlement is the first step in rebuilding the relationship between the parties and will allow staff to refocus on their key priority of providing safe and effective ambulance service,” he said.
A Spokesperson for St John said that the charity was pleased that strike action has been avoided.
“We are very pleased to reward our people with the full implementation of the independent pay review. This is a historic and significant pay correction for our people,” the spokesperson said.
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