In recent months, members in regional control rooms have been at the forefront of a pivotal campaign spearheaded by the United Services Union (USU). The campaign aimed to secure substantive positions for Emergency Medical Call Taker Team Leaders in these crucial hubs.
When the stability of these positions came under threat in June 2023 members rallied by taking industrial action to safeguard their roles. This collective effort was driven by a clear message: Emergency Medical Call Takers in regional areas deserve the same level of support and supervision as their counterparts in metropolitan Sydney. The industrial action led to assurances that the Team Leader positions would be preserved and that any future changes would involve Union consultation.
Today, we’re celebrating a significant milestone in this ongoing campaign. The Ambulance Service has announced that 18 new Team Leader positions will now be made substantive across the network. This includes 6 positions in the Southern Control Room, 6 in the Northern Control Room, and additional roles to bolster the current team in the Sydney Control Centre (SYDCC).
This recent victory builds on a series of successes for the USU. Recent achievements include securing a laundry allowance for uniformed members and rectifying the treatment of public holidays, leading to upcoming pay and leave adjustments retroactive for the past six years. These gains underscore the strength and impact of Union membership.
While this announcement marks a significant win, the journey is not over. The USU remains committed to ensuring that both Emergency Medical Call Takers and their Team Leaders are reclassified, properly recognised, and fairly compensated for their vital work. The struggle for appropriate recognition and remuneration continues, and the Union is dedicated to pushing for further improvements in the future
