Tasmania’s paramedics claim bias after doctors’ receive 6.5pc pay rise

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Tasmanian paramedics are stepping up pressure on the State Government over their pay claim after doctors received increases of up to $30,000 a year.

They have accused the Government of bias and have not ruled out industrial action.

Last week the Government awarded doctors a 6.5 per cent pay increase but continued to appeal against a 14 per cent rise for paramedics in the Supreme Court.

Paramedics met to discuss the “apparent favouritism”, the Health and Community Services Union said.

The union’s Tim Jacobson called on Health Minister Michael Ferguson to explain the Government’s position.

“There were two things that the members demanded happen straight away,” he said.

“One was that the Minister meet with the Ambulance executive as soon as possible to explain his action to favour one group over another, and secondly, to embark on a community campaign to highlight the plight of paramedics in Tasmania.”

He said the community campaign would involve letterbox drops, petitions and advertising.

He also warned paramedics were not ruling out industrial action if the Government did not reverse its decision.

“Paramedics don’t take industrial action likely – most things they could consider in terms of industrial action would have an impact on patients,” he said.

Last week the Government pointed out doctors had not received a pay rise since 2011 while paramedics’ wages had gone up 2 per cent each year.