Paramedics' union stages work bans over pay dispute
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The union says the industrial action will not affect emergency cases. (ABC TV-file image)
The union representing Queensland paramedics says it will start statewide industrial action today over stalled negotiations on a new enterprise bargaining agreement.
Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU) spokesman Jason Dutton says the industrial action will not affect emergency cases.
He says there will be bans on administrative work and on patient transfers out of hospitals by paramedics.
Mr Dutton says the LHMU wants a 6 per cent increase but the Queensland Government is offering 3.25 per cent.
"Previously our increases have always been above CPI," he said.
"This one falls significantly below CPI and I mean at this time CPI in the south-east corner sits at 5.1 per cent, so obviously from paramedics and communications officers and patient transport officers across the state, that's absolutely unacceptable."
"We've asked for 6 per cent base rate increase across the board per year for three years and also asked then for incremental payments that will recognise the level of care that we provide to the community.
"Some of the action will go on for a number of days including up to a week and certainly in future we have more action planned."
