$6 million backpay win for Victorian ambulance officers

Ambulance officers have been awarded $6 million in back pay from the 
Victorian Government after the Federal Court found the Government's 
Ambulance Services were liable for outstanding annual leave loading 
payments over the past six years. The successful class action was launched 
by the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Employees Union's (LHMU) 
Victorian branch on behalf of 1800 current and former union members.

LHMU Ambulance Division Secretary Rod Morris said the decision was "a 
tremendous victory for ambulance officers who have been denied a rightful 
entitlement for the last six years".

Ambulance employees receive up to eight weeks annual leave based on shift 
and rostering arrangements. Since 1996, the Union's award and certified 
agreements for ambulance officers in Victoria required 17.5 per cent leave 
loading to be paid on all annual leave.

The Ambulances Services, on behalf of the Victorian Government, argued that 
ambulance officers were not entitled to the extra leave loading.

The Federal Court found in favour of the officers, who are likely to 
receive between $2000 and $4000 each as a result of the decision.

The Court is yet to make a decision about interest payments on top of the 
lump sums.