700 regional Victorian ambulances face a 24-hour strike due to contract negotiation breakdown and unsustainable workload.

700 regional Victorian ambulances face a 24-hour strike as 23 fleet maintenance officers participate in unprecedented action due to contract negotiation breakdown. The United Workers Union claims mechanics' pay lags behind counterparts in other emergency services and workload is unsustainable. Affected stations are in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Hamilton, Horsham, Morwell, Shepparton, and Wangaratta. Backup plans ensure public safety during the strike.