A pay disagreement and "complex entitlement issues" separating NSW paramedics and the state government are no closer to being resolved, with the union retaining the option for fresh strikes in the future.
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NSW paramedics on Thursday went on strike, attending life-threatening jobs but eschewing less serious incidents like a broken arm.
The strike was not approved by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, meaning the Health Services Union could potentially face fines.
The HSU said it did not take the move lightly but supported the strike because the state's paramedics were underpaid and disrespected.
Union secretary Gerard Hayes said a meeting with Health Minister Brad Hazzard amid Thursday's strike failed to reach a breakthrough on pay, but the paramedic strike would still conclude at day's end.
However Mr Hayes said more strikes in the future were possible, telling AAP Thursday's action was the "first step in a longer program".
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet earlier on Thursday said he'd gone over several issues with the HSU on Wednesday, many without progress.
He said his government had not yet settled on a wage policy for public servants, which will be revealed in the June 22 NSW budget.
The government sought to freeze public sector wage rises at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, instead allocating funds to stimulus packages.
"I'm disappointed they're going on strike today," he told 2GB radio.
"There are issues there that aren't going to be resolved overnight."
Paramedics are upset they've effectively been given a pay cut despite working on the front line during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year's proposed 1.5 per cent pay offer was less than inflation, which NSW Treasury forecasts at 2.2 per cent for the coming year.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Wednesday that her government wanted to help frontline workers and urged everyone to "wait for the budget".
Mr Hayes said that response wasn't good enough.
"Once the budget is set, the budget is set," he said.
"We can't negotiate around it."
Australian Associated Press
