The pay was only part of the issue.
One theory is that the union purposely avoided a possible last minute resolution because of a perceived political advantage at the pending election.
The other theory is they ran out of time prior to the government entering caretaker mode.
Some info below.
Matters of contention include a finishing date for the agreement, government support for the paramedics' work value case before the Fair Work Commission, and the restructuring of administrative and clerical roles.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/new...pute-vic-premier/story-fn3dxiwe-1227107089654
Just before caretaker mode began on Melbourne Cup Day, it looked like a deal was finally within the government’s reach. Health Minister David Davis said the Coalition would match Labor’s offer of a 12 per cent pay rise over the next three years, with a $3000 bonus and pledges not to make paramedics fill vacancies across the state against their wishes.
It all came unstuck amid accusations the union had “moved the goalposts”, meaning ambulances covered with anti-Napthine graffiti are still roaming the street
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/nat...ictorian-premier/story-fnqetyrp-1227130081752
The Labor leader also pledged to send the paramedics’ long-running pay dispute to the Fair Work Commission for arbitration, in an effort to bring the wages in line with other states.
Mr Andrews said Labor would at least match the government’s wages offer, including a 12 per cent pay rise over three years and a $3000 sign-on bonus.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/vi...cruit-paramedics/story-fnocxssc-1227133391492
