** Tasmania, Australia paramedics hold on escalating work bans;hopeful settlement could be forthcoming
** Ontario paramedics/firefighters in Hamilton raise money for cancer stricken paramedic
AUSTRALIA NEWS
** In an effort to work out a deal on meal breaks and rostering, Tasmanian paramedics have decided not to escalate work bans. That is the word from The Examiner (Jodie Stephens/November 30) which quoted medics union state secretary Chris Brown as saying Friday discussions with the government proved hopeful. Brown said he expected a formal proposal on the talks early this week. The meeting was the first face-to-face between the two sides since industrial action began November 25th. Although the union has agreed to accept a 2 per cent wage hike, sticking points surround the issue of meal breaks. The union wants a $10 penalty paid to members who miss such pauses. They also want a penalty paid if scheduling changes within a certain time frame.
CANADA NEWS
** In the spirit of the season, a group of Hamilton firefighters have given money raised from the Movember moustache growing campaign to a paramedic battling cancer. The Spectator (Joanna Frketich/November 28) said medic Amanda Nederveen, 34, who is currently receiving chemo and is off work, has no current income. A part time paramedic, she has no short term disability but is covered by her husband’s teacher medical benefits. She also can not claim unemployment because she was diagnosed post maternity leave. Firefighters spokesman Denis Guite said firefighters should be able to give about $1,800. Hamilton paramedics are also raising money for Nederveen.
