The Tasmanian Government appears to have softened its position on a paramedic pay rise, agreeing to further talks with unions about a phase-in period.
The union representing paramedics said it was buoyed by the Government’s willingness to break the deadlock over a big pay claim.
In April last year, the Industrial Commission ruled paramedics deserved a 14 per cent increase, based on the value of their work.
Since then, the State Government has refused to act on the decision, repeatedly stating it is unaffordable.
The long-running dispute intensified a few months ago when Health Minister Michael Ferguson awarded doctors an increase.
Mr Ferguson has been standing firm in arguing the Government can not afford the pay rise, but has now agreed to more talks with their union.
“I did ask that we reopen discussions because I think if common ground can be reached we should striving for that,” the Minister said.
The Health Union is viewing an invitation for further talks as a breakthrough.
Spokesman Tim Jacobson said one option on the table was a phasing-in period.
“Clearly from our perspective this is a significant breakthrough,” he said.
“We would want to sit down and discuss the budget situation with the Government, their imperatives, and obviously they’d be keen to listen to ours in order to achieve an outcome but a phasing-in period could be anywhere between 12 months and three years.”
Talks are expected to be held next week.