UNIFIED - Health Services Union East · Nepean Blue Mountains: Andrew Teece Postal Address Locked...

UNIFIEDSUMMER EDITION 2018 The Official Journal of the Health Services Union

LAUNDRY LIST

Season's Greetings

SETTING THE DIRECTION

HANDS OFF OUR LEAVE

Unified is the official journal of the HSU NSW/ACT/QLD. We welcome your feedback and want to hear from you about what you want from your union magazine. If you have any views, news or ideas you would like to share please send an email to [email protected] The Official Journal of the Health

Services Union NSW/ACT/QLD

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INSIDE

For editorial enquiries: call the HSU or email [email protected] | Advertising enquiries: call HSU on 1300 478 679

President: Mark SterreySenior Vice-President: Lindy TwyfordJunior Vice-President: Steven FraserSecretary HSU NSW/ACT/QLD: Gerard HayesAssistant Secretary/Treasurer: Lynne Russell

Branch CommitteeKim HadsonAlan WilcockThelma ThamesMelissa Todhunter

Branch Councillors ACT: Leigh BushAged Care: Josephine PeacockAmbulance Service: Michael CallinanCentral Coast: Suzanne McGuireFar West: Darriea Turley Hunter New England: Jeffrey KneeHunter New England: Donna RileyIllawarra Shoalhaven: Gillian Laura Reilly Mid North Coast: Toni Winters Murrumbidgee: Graeme BaillieNepean Blue Mountains: Andrew Teece

Postal AddressLocked Bag 3Australia Square NSW 1215

Health Services UnionLevel 2 , 109 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000

Printing WebStar: PO Box 6808, Silverwater NSW 2128 T: 02 9748 0020

Leadership Team

Telephone: 1300 478 679Fax: 1300 329 478E-mail: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The HSU does not warrant the veracity of statements made or representations given, by the advertisers in this journal. The

HSU recommends members seek independent advice before making any decisions based on material published by advertisers in the

journal.

08 Bright futureSetting the direction for the HSU

22 Wash out Fighting for laundry allowance

05 Wilcannia win Justice for members

19 Hands off Aged Care leave dispute

07 Ride for hope Northern Rivers shows the way

24 Aged care award The HSU's Lindy Twyford takes home a gong

Northern NSW: Bill OddieNorthern Sydney: Bruce RowlingPrivate Hospitals: Alan Wilcock Southern NSW: Joan Catlin Southern NSW: Mark JaySouth Eastern Sydney: Leesa FranksSouth Western Sydney: John Jetty DoreSouth Western Sydney: Edalina HondrosSydney: Robert AneyWestern NSW: Sharon Carney Western NSW: Bryan BillingtonWestern Sydney: Patricia ReidWestern Sydney: John Lawrence

Members at Wilcannia Hospital were reminded earlier this year that it pays to be a union member, even when it seems the boss has already made up their mind.

Two hospital assistants at the Hospital were called to a meeting, and informed that the General Manager had decided to replace their positions with HASA (Health and Security Assistant) roles. They could choose to become HASAs or be made redundant. This shock decision came despite a previous meeting with the delegate for Wilcannia, the HSM at the time, the HSU Organiser and the General Manager. At the meeting it was agreed that the Hospital Assistant roles would be maintained until they left the positions, at which time they would become HASA roles. In the meantime, 2 HASA roles would be recruited to.

Having disregarded this prior agreement, management’s snap decision meant that the hospital was without Hospital Assistants. Under recent changes to the HASA award, if an emergency occurred no cleaning would be done, leaving the facility at risk of infection. When confronted with this fact, the LHD advised the HSU that nurses would do the cleaning and deliver the food to patients if the situation arose. However, they could not confirm that the Nurses’ Association had agreed to nurses working outside their scope and award, despite being asked on numerous occasions.

It appeared to be making decisions on the run to try and displace the staff.

The Organiser notified the employer of a dispute. However, LHD and local management continued to pester the members to decide: transition to HASA roles, or take redundancy? The HSU Industrial Division became involved, and a hearing was set with the IRC. An undertaking was given by the LHD not to progress, but despite everything they continued to move forward, and staff were advised they were excess to needs. The continued pressure laid on members by management was clearly a form of bullying and intimidation. Luckily, the members remembered to retain email records of communications from management. These assisted Industrial Officer Brendan Edghill with the case in the IRC.

After referral again to the IRC, an apology to the two members from the Chief Executive, and yet more meetings, the LHD finally agreed to honour what they had agreed to in 2017. That is, the two members will remain in their current roles, working their contracted hours, until such time as they resign. At this time, and no sooner, the roles will transition to HASA classifications.

Congratulations to the members in question, who stayed strong despite some heavy tactics from the employer. The story illustrates that, even at a very small and remote site, standing together as a group results in an excellent outcome for the members.

WIN at WILCANNIA

by Zelda Giblett, HSU Organiser

4 5UNIFIED | The Official Journal of the Health Services Union NSW/ACT/QLD UNIFIED | The Official Journal of the Health Services Union NSW/ACT/QLDSUMMER EDITION 2018SUMMER EDITION 2018

A message from the Secretary

Gerard Hayes Secretary HSU NSW/ACT/QLD

I am immensely proud to announce that the HSU’s Aged Care Division has just topped 10,000 members – an incredible achievement. Aged Care workers are responding to the clarion call of the HSU’s campaigning in the sector. I congratulate them.

In my role as Secretary, nothing smarts more than unfairness. Too often, when people lack negotiating power or visibility, they have to accept whatever is given to them – no matter how paltry the offering is. Of course, the principle of a union is to empower oneself and one another, to join your voices together, so that you don’t have to accept the first deal that is presented to you. But what happens when people literally can’t stand up for themselves?

Unfortunately, that’s the situation we face in aged care. Older Australians in care have been enduring shocking conditions, thanks in large part to the Coalition Government’s successive cuts to Aged Care funding in recent years. These are the people who helped to build this country, shaping the prosperity that we all enjoy – and they’re powerless to prevent their own shabby treatment.

The HSU resolved, alongside our comrades in United Voice, to end this shameful situation once and for all. The campaign we hatched – Our Turn To Care – was designed to appeal not only to MPs and lawmakers, but to everyone. After all, there are few people who don’t have a loved one in care, or know someone who does. It’s incumbent on us all to sort out this mess. Older generations raised us, nurtured us, cared for us – now it’s our turn to return the favour.

It’s only been a year since we launched the Our Turn To Care campaign, but I’m delighted with the response we’ve had from members in Aged Care, the general public, and members of parliament. We have succeeded in propelling Aged Care to the top of the political agenda, something that seemed very improbable until now. A light is being shone into corners that have been dark for

a long time. And the Coalition is suddenly finding its cuts to Aged Care very hard to defend.

We all applauded the announcement of a Royal Commission into Aged Care, but no one is silly enough to imagine that a Royal Commission on its own will fix everything. We need a government that is brave enough to prioritise Aged Care, to find real and sustainable funding solutions so that older Australians can live in comfort and dignity.

Of course, other divisions of the union have been extremely active as well. The Public Health Division has been working on a number of high-profile campaigns, and has had considerable success with the Our Hands Are Tied campaign for hospital security and the push for proper laundry allowances in Northern NSW. This dispute is not yet over but it’s been great to see members get behind it.

The Private Health division has been making great strides in Laverty private pathology services and campaigning on a series of enterprise agreements.

The Ambulance Division, meanwhile, continues to campaign effectively on the pressing issues. You might have seen the Take 5 To Survive campaign, devised to fight a dangerous and ill-advised work direction that would cut paramedics’ scant break time still further. If you haven’t seen it yet, you will soon.

It’s hard to believe it, but we’re almost at the end of another year. I look back at the things we’ve achieved together over the last 12 months with great pride. Now let’s do it all over again!

From myself and the HSU team, I wish you all a very relaxing and safe Christmas and New Year.

Funds raised went to drought relief hay bales for local farmers

— Gerard HayesSecretary HSU NSW/ACT/QLD

It’s great to see people enjoying themselves and raising money for such a worthy cause into the bargain,

Beating the blues with a rideOn 4 November, a large convoy of riders set off from Lismore Motorcycles with two objectives: to raise funds for mental health services and drought-afflicted farmers, and to have a great time doing it.

7UNIFIED | The Official Journal of the Health Services Union NSW/ACT/QLDSUMMER EDITION 2018

The 9th Annual Compression V Depression ride was blessed with gorgeous weather this year, as the unprecedented number of riders bore witness. Hundreds of riders and onlookers turned out to support this very special event.

The HSU is very proud to be major sponsor of the ride, which promotes motorcycle safety and raises funds for Lifeline Northern Rivers. Who can say how many lives have been saved by this essential not-for-profit service, which prides itself on being there for people when they need it most.

This year, the ride also raised funds for drought relief for farmers in the area, who have borne the brunt of drastically low rainfall. The event is an important force for social good in a region that is so proudly close-knit and looks after its own. It’s another item in a long list of solidarity and togetherness – just witness the

courageous actions of HSU members at Lismore Base Hospital when they campaigned to support local farmers and retain Norco milk in Northern NSW hospitals.

HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes praised the ride’s supporters. “It’s great to see people enjoying themselves and raising money for such a worthy cause into the bargain,” he said.

The Compression V Depression ride grows larger every year. Keep an eye out for next year’s event!

Riders set off under blue skies

Out and about with HSU Ambulance DivisionMembers and delegates are getting behind the

Take 5 To Survive campaign to ensure they are fed, watered and ready for the next job.

Safety is not an optional extra. These members are standing up for their right to be refreshed, relieved and mentally prepared for whatever is next.

I’MTAKINGTOSURVIVE

5 Authorised by: Gerard Hayes - Secretary HSU NSW/ACT/QLD

NSW/ACT/QLD

HSU DELEGATES FORUM 2018


A Reinvigorated HSUA smaller scale HSU NSW Delegates Forum was held in Sydney this October, but no less successful or inspiring for its reduced size. The importance of events such as these cannot be overstated, as delegates report returning to their workplaces “rejuvenated and ready for the fight”.

The success of the Forum was also a testament to the hard work and commitment shown by HSU delegates – namely, because circumstances conspired against us, the only viable dates were the Sunday and Monday of a long weekend. Despite this, delegates came to set plans and discuss the future of our Union.

HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes talked about shoring up support within the political sphere, and the importance of being seen. While 52% of staff in public hospitals are neither doctors or nurses and work in HSU-covered professions, he said, this is still a little-discussed fact. HSU members need to get visible and demand their due.

Delegates were also given the opportunity to hear the HSU’s new Assistant Secretary Lynne Russell speak. Alongside Chief Financial Officer Angela Nigro, Lynne delivered a very upbeat financial report and talked about her excitement for the job ahead. While most members will be familiar with Lynne for her many years serving on HSU Council and Committee of Management, it is nonetheless exciting to welcome her to new challenges and horizons.

The 2018 Delegates Forum took the form of a ‘report-back’ conference – in other words, delegates and staff reported on the progress of campaigns and directions set at 2017’s event. There was a sense of hope and pride, given the extraordinary steps forward in every division. Members in the Aged Care and Ambulance divisions were particularly flushed with success.

A number of high-profile politicians and leaders addressed the assembled members, reflecting the Union’s exalted status amongst political movers and shakers. Senator Kristina Keneally joined the HSU on the gala opening night to present Life Memberships, while Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten addressed members the next morning on Labor’s vision for a fairer Australia. ACTU Secretary Sally McManus then outlined the battle plan for the enormous Change The Rules campaign currently engulfing the nation.

While plans are being laid for a larger and broader Delegates Forum in 2019, this year’s more modest aims were well and truly realised. Watch this space!


A movement of hope and change has been barrelling around the nation, sweeping up working people in its wake. It’s called the Change the Rules campaign, and it’s

captivated union members everywhere.

In October, the HSU joined over 200,000 workers around the country in taking to the streets and demanding a better deal. It’s been compared to the Your Rights At Work campaign, the rank and file union-led movement that struck a blow for workers’ rights and changed the government in 2007.

It won’t surprise many that wage growth in Australia has been dismal in recent years. The more important question is – why is this the case? Corporate profits have been going up at an exponential rate, and our economy is the envy of many other countries around the world. And yet the average weekly ordinary wage has barely kept pace with inflation, growing only 0.3% per year since the 2013 federal election. Why?

The answer is quite simple. Australia’s employment rules don’t currently work to take care of workers. Our system, as it currently stands, is being exploited by big business and their cronies in

government to milk every possible cent from the people who make their profits for them. We need to Change the Rules – as the ACTU’s slogan runs – in order to hand power back to workers and restore the balance.

What rules need to change? For starters, unions are calling for sector-wide bargaining, to maximise working people’s negotiating power; stronger penalties to discourage widespread wage theft; the restoration of the right to strike; the restoration of penalty rates for people who work unsociable hours; the reduction of casual and precarious work; and a host of other changes to bring Australian working people a bit of relief.

The Change the Rules campaign is likely to get even bigger and louder in the leadup to the federal election next year, so keep an eye out!

Authorised by: Gerard Hayes - Secretary HSU NSW/ACT/QLDNSW•ACT•QLD

HAVE YOU BEEN DOCKED PAY?Many employers have told staff that if they are late, they will deduct additional money from their pay (e.g. 1 minute late they will deduct 15 minutes from their pay etc).

This is illegal. You must be paid for every minute that you work. If you have been docked pay, you are likely to be owed money.

Please note that regular lateness to work may result in performance management/disciplinary action.

If you have been docked pay and want your back pay

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Join today, call 1300 478 679 or www.hsu.asn.au/join

/HSUAgedCare e-mail: [email protected]

19UNIFIED | The Official Journal of the Health Services Union NSW/ACT/QLDSUMMER EDITION 2018

Where’s the compassion?HSU members are up in arms after a major aged care employer, Catholic Healthcare, sought to curtail

access to a fifth week of annual leave for shift workers.

The company’s Enterprise Agreement specifies an additional week of annual leave for shift workers in recognition of the unsociable hours they work. However, in a cynical and greedy move, Catholic Healthcare is now trying to redefine what a shift worker is.

Usually, anyone who regularly works outside of the hours of 9 to 5 is entitled to the fifth week. That is, until the employer chose to change the definition of shift work, claiming that the entire shift had to take place outside of the hours of 6am-7pm in order to qualify.

This is an extraordinarily cynical and unfair position to adopt, considering that most afternoon shifts run from 2:30 or 3pm to 11pm, and most night shifts from 11pm to 7am. In an unprecedented move, Catholic Healthcare is seeking to bar many of its shift workers from access to a very well-deserved benefit that they enjoyed up until now. Weekend workers, however, are not affected.

Not only is this a regressive decision from a large employer, it carries the risk of establishing a precedent for aged care. That’s why the HSU has fought it on every level.

“This is just a blatant attempt to cut costs by playing word games with the Enterprise Agreement,” said Secretary Gerard Hayes.

“Working in aged care can be physically and emotionally draining, so the fifth week of leave is extremely important to the health and wellbeing of members. Short-sighted decisions like these will encourage more workers to leave the industry and will have a detrimental effect on the quality of care provided to residents.”

The HSU has notified a dispute in the Fair Work Commission and has stepped up a considerable media campaign around the state. The reaction from members of the public has been one of distress and anger, and many are rightly concerned about how this decision tallies with the organisation’s professed ideals of compassion, honesty and respect. An email blitz to the organisation’s CEO has also been particularly successful. It seems that aged care workers aren’t the only ones who care.

Rob Sheehy, the HSU’s Aged Care manager, is hopeful of a satisfactory resolution to the dispute. “I don’t think they like the scrutiny,” he said. “Employers often seem to think that they can push through decisions such as these, without consultation or discussion.

“But they get a bit uneasy when they’re shown up for it.”

John Hunter Hospital UpdateHSU members have been pushing for increased staffing, a genuine effort to tackle bullying & harassment, formal training programs and better working conditions across John Hunter. These are widespread issues across all classifications and HSU members have maintained a consistent pressure which resulted in a group meeting with HealthShare CE Daniel Hunter and HNELHD CE Michael Di Rienzo to address concerns.

Members within food services have identified a WHS concern within the cafeteria where ambient temperatures are regularly high following the repositioning of ventilation within the work area by the HNELHD. A petition calling for support to maintain the Level 1 cafeteria has been circulated.

Ongoing matters of concern regarding security services within the hospital, especially the emergency department, has led to the HSU calling for significant increases in staffing. At the time of

writing, the HSU is awaiting a formal response. If not satisfactory, the HSU will meet with members to discuss the forms that member action might take.

The HSU recently argued successfully for additional HSRs in Patient Support Services. As a result, we now have 15 HSRs where previously one existed. The HSU encourages the newly elected HSRs to submit the application for training by HOSTA provided by the HSU to the employer ASAP.

by Michael Kearns, HSU Organiser

OUR HANDSARE TIED

Phone: 1300 478 679 • Fax: 1300 329 478 • E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.hsu.asn.auAuthorised by: Gerard Hayes - Secretary HSU NSW/ACT/QLD

I SUPPORT HOSPITAL SECURITY Having the legal powers and equipment to keep me safe in hospitals. We cannot wait any longer. Our lives depend on it.

The announcement was made by Health Minister Brad Hazzard on 16 November. Peter Anderson, former Labor Health and Police Minister, will head up the review, and it is expected to present its findings by March 2019.

“It’s heartening to see some movement in this area,” said HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes. “We’ve been waiting too long. We need more security staff, with more equipment and restraints, and more ability to restrain and detain violent offenders if necessary.”

There can be no doubt that this announcement was made in direct response to the tireless campaigning of HSU members and representatives. The HSU has been at the vanguard of a movement calling for a permanent fix to the safety and security shambles in our hospitals. It has been the union’s voice, warning of the extremely dangerous situations that occur every day in NSW health facilities, that spoke out over every effort to obfuscate and explain away the problem.

Activity has recently coalesced into the HSU’s campaign Our Hands Are Tied, which illustrates the problem to politicians and to the broader public. Under law, security staff can currently be prosecuted or face disciplinary procedures for the use of force to protect others and themselves. Plainly, this situation can’t persist if we are going to be able to tackle the problem of violence in health facilities.

The HSU’s campaigning convinced the NSW Labor party to adopt a policy of 250 extra security staff throughout the state’s hospitals. However, more is needed. Security staff need to be able to act to protect members of the public, staff and themselves. This requires legislative change. Currently, their hands are tied.

No one knows the scourge of violence affecting NSW hospitals better than Security Officers and Health and Security Assistants. For far too long, these members have been taken for granted and little attention given to the specialist nature of the profession. It’s time to turn the tables.

Members will recall the terrifying situation that occurred at Nepean Hospital in October, when a man wielding a knife was shot by police after threatening staff and the police themselves. Unfortunately, this is not just an isolated incident. A similar situation played out at Canberra Hospital recently. In 2016, a police officer and a security officer were shot when a drug-affected patient grabbed the officer’s gun, again at Nepean. And this is only a small sample of what members have to deal with every day.

Hospital security is an issue that affects us all. Hopefully, we will soon be seeing an end to the terrifying scenes which have recently plagued our health system.

Much-needed Security report comingThe announcement of a review of security measures in NSW’s public hospitals has been met with relief and cautious optimism by HSU members.

20 UNIFIED | The Official Journal of the Health Services Union NSW/ACT/QLD SUMMER EDITION 2018

(Pictured left) HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes addresses the mediaINSET: Health Minister Brad Hazzard and former Labor Minister

Peter Anderson announce the review— Gerard Hayes

Secretary HSU NSW/ACT/QLD

We’ve been waiting too long. We need more security staff, with more equipment and restraints, and more ability to restrain and detain violent offenders if necessary

REGISTERING?

JOIN ONLINE

Authorised by: Gerard Hayes - Secretary HSU NSW/ACT/QLD JOIN

RING NOW1300 478 679

www.hsu.asn.au

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Your membership also includes the benefits of a strong, democratic and united union.

We cover you for your primary workplace

We cover you for your secondary employment earning up to $100K

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We cover you for your primary workplace

We cover you for your secondary employment earning up to $100K

We cover you for voluntary work

We cover you for o� duty assistance

We cover you for associated legal costs

ALL HSU members are covered by

Professional IndemnityInsurance

$20 Million


Imagine if someone took $5 off you every week for the past 6 years. You probably wouldn’t notice at first. But then when you took a closer look, and add up the cost, all of a sudden you’re looking at a nice new computer, or accommodation for your next holiday, or just that little bit extra to help out with the cost of living.

Up to $1400 – that’s the sum many members in Northern NSW Local Health District are owed in unpaid laundry allowances. In what can only be described as a blunder on behalf of the LHD, the laundry allowance – a clear and unambiguous allowance in the Award – has simply not been paid. The HSU has been fighting to have the LHD make good on this error, but adding insult to injury, the LHD has tried to get out of making the payment by saying that as they didn’t have a uniform policy, staff didn’t have to wear their uniforms and therefore it shouldn’t have to pay to launder them.

HSU members have laughed off this suggestion stating: “Imagine a Wardie showing up to work in boardies and

thongs?”“What would happen if I wanted to wear my PJs to work, how

would management take that?”Lucky for all HSU members, one meticulous member has kept

in their records a uniform policy from 2005 which states that if you are provided with a uniform by management then you are required to wear it. Even in the face of the incontrovertible evidence, the LHD still doesn’t think it owes the money.

In November, the HSU decided that enough was enough. If the LHD would not listen to logic, then the NSW Industrial Relations Commission could straighten them out. The HSU put its case to

the Commission in a conciliation and the LHD stood strong, saying that it doesn’t think it should be paying members who wear their uniforms voluntarily.

This has left members with one choice: Fight all the way to arbitration. We are currently compiling a list of members who are owed the money, and will put it forward to the Commission as a detailed and comprehensive claim against the LHD. Because it has been so long, the LHD will also be liable to pay interest to each and every member if the Commission rejects its arguments.

The HSU received correspondence from the LHD recently asking for a last-ditch meeting to try and cut a deal. This meeting will take place on 17 December 2018, so keep on eye out for a report on how it goes!

No matter what the result, all members always deserve to be paid their full entitlements. Every member works hard for their community and all we ask in return is to be remunerated. When an LHD tries to worm out of making a payment with an abstract legal argument, it is a slap in our face and demeans the work we do every single day.

But HSU members will always fight to the last cent for their entitlements.

And that’s how it should be.

A dirty BUSINESS:

LAUNDRY ALLOWANCE IN NORTHERN NSWby Toby Warnes, HSU Industrial Officer

We’ve been awarded a 15 year platinum performance rating from Australia’s most respected super research company, SuperRatings.

That means we’re not only one of the largest super funds in the country, we’re also one of the best.

“I want a super fund

that’s an expert at

managing money.”

Product ratings are only one factor to be considered when making a decision. See hesta.com.au/ratings for more information. Issued by H.E.S.T. Australia Ltd ABN 66 006 818 695 AFSL 235249, the Trustee of Health Employees Superannuation Trust Australia (HESTA) ABN 64 971 749 321. This information is of a general nature. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or specific needs so you should look at your own financial position and requirements before making a decision. You may wish to consult an adviser when doing this. Before making a decision about HESTA products you should read the relevant product disclosure statement (call 1800 813 327 or visit hesta.com.au/pds for a copy), and consider any relevant risks (hesta.com.au/understandingrisk).

Vindhya Mendis, Aged Care

Professional

HESTA_Testimonials_Vindhya with sector 148x210mm.indd 1 23/8/18 10:21 am

HSU Vice President recognised with prestigious aged care award

Lindy Twyford, the HSU’s Senior Vice President, has demonstrated the value of providing healthy and nourishing catering facilities ‘in-house’, and has taken home a gong for her outstanding service to aged care residents in RFBI’s Lake Haven facility.

Already a proud advocate for HSU members and for aged care workers in general, the Hospitality & Lifestyle Aged Care Award is another feather in Lindy’s cap. It also recognises the importance of good food for our elderly loved ones.

“I felt very privileged and honoured,” said Lindy. “We all work very hard for older Australians, so it was wonderful to recognised for the work we put in.”

In a sector that is plagued by problems brought on by the scourge of outsourcing, it’s certainly refreshing news to see a facility that still cares about the quality and nutrition of food being provided to its residents. Not only has RFBI’s approach shown the way for other providers, it’s also put paid to the lie that outsourcing is the only sustainable model for catering in aged care facilities.

An understanding employer has its benefits. “It’s great to work for a company that listens to their staff,” said Lindy. “RFBI isn’t afraid of delegating authority, and they allow you to make your own decisions to get things done. The ultimate aim is always to make sure that our residents are happy and healthy and enjoying life.

“Thankfully, management understands that situations sometimes change, and they always try to make sure that money is allocated where it needs to go.

“Of course,” she adds ruefully, “money is tighter than ever, thanks

to the Federal Government’s funding cuts. But we do our best regardless.”

Unfortunately, ethical employers seem to be the exception, rather than the rule. As members will be well aware, outsourcing in aged care – particularly in the areas of cleaning, laundry and kitchen functions – stands as one of the major issues facing the sector generally. More often than not, standards for residents drop dramatically as the external contractor is brought in. Contractors cut every imaginable corner in their mission to wring as much profit from the arrangement as possible, delivering a substandard service with severely limited staffing numbers.

Not only are residents at risk from outsourcing arrangements, but the HSU has exposed the criminality that is rife amongst external contractors, recovering many thousands of dollars for members who had been cynically exploited. With little scrutiny and even less ethical integrity, these employers have time and time again indulged in wage theft and intimidation. It’s time for aged care providers to show moral leadership and say ‘No’ to the practice of outsourcing, and ‘No’ to the unscrupulous sharks that lurk at the fringes of the aged care industry.

“I’m fundamentally opposed to outsourcing,” argues Lindy. “You see it all the time – these contractors don’t have the relationship with their staff that they need to, and they just don’t have enough control to make sure residents receive the correct care. My message to providers is: Think again!”

28/11/18 MYOB / Excel 1:41 pm

Page 1

ASSETS

Current Assets Cash at Bank $577,234 Cash on Hand $3,750 Investment Accounts $3,499,734 Other Current Assets $1,852,016Total Current Assets $5,932,734

Non Current Assets Land & Buildings $12,663,375 Furniture & Fixtures $2,149,254 Plant & Equipment $210,499 Motor Vehicles $716,600Total Non Current Assets $15,739,728

Total Assets $21,672,462

LIABILITIES

Current Liabilities Trade Creditors $654,136 GST Liabilities $95,058 Employee Entitlements $2,573,722 Other Current Liabilities $200,744Total Current Liabilities $3,523,660

Non Current Liabilities Interest Rate Swap Liability $11,544 Super Defined Benefit Fund $29,874Total Non Current Liabilities $41,418

Total Liabilities $3,565,078

Net Assets $18,107,384

EQUITY

Current Earnings ($90,675) Member Funds $13,283,456 SASS (Actuarial Gains/Losses) $4,914,603Total Equity $18,107,384

As At 31 October 2018

Health Services Union NSW/ACT/QLDLEVEL 2 ,109 PITT STREET

SYDNEY NSW 2000

Balance Sheet Analysis

Health Services Union NSW/ACT/QLD Balance Sheet Analysis

As at 31 October 2018


Lynne Russell Assistant Secretary / Treasurer

Assistant Secretary’s Report

I’m struck by the warmth and fighting spirit of HSU members everywhere. We’re a union made up of members who look out for each other, and that’s something to celebrate. But it’s also concerning to note that the issues remain very similar, no matter what facility.

Bullying and harassment seems to be the number one concern, from Tweed Heads to Cooma and everywhere in between.

Rostering, insufficient staffing and positions standing vacant are also a concern. Committed HSU Organisers are tackling this issue across the state, but we still have a long way to go to ensure that health workers aren’t continually overworked, trying to reach impossible targets set by out-of-touch management.

One item of particular concern is the transformation of Food Services within NSW Hospitals.

I recently spoke to Food Services staff at Tamworth Base Hospital, and they raised some serious concerns they had around the newly introduced “My Food Choice” program.

The Tamworth sub branch approached HealthShare with their concerns. Eventually, they were forced to take action and with the guidance of councillor Jeff Knee and Acting Deputy Manager Public Health Cindy Paull, a great outcome was achieved.

I was honoured and delighted to be invited back to Tamworth Base Hospital by the sub branch to celebrate their achievements.

I have also spoken to members from Food Services on the North Coast, and it was extremely disappointing to hear they are also experiencing difficulties since the implementation of “My Food Choice”.

In order to address members’ concerns, a newsletter was issued to Food Service Staff in the Far North Coast and Mid North Coast area and we had an overwhelming response. Results were collated by HSU Industrial Manager Ayshe Lewis, and these pressing issues were raised with HealthShare at a Peak Consultative Meeting.

It was agreed by both HealthShare and HSU that a working party would be developed to work through the problems.

Organisers Michael Kearns and Peter Kelly, as well as workplace delegates, are currently working through a similar process that was so successful at Tamworth. These representatives continue to hold HealthShare to account, seeking resolution to issues raised by members at Tweed Heads, Lismore, Ballina, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.

These larger facilities on the North Coast have been chosen in the likelihood that a solution, once found, will flow on to other smaller facilities in the area. However, our HSU organisers have made a commitment to members that any issues at smaller sites will also treated with equal importance.

I urge any members in Food Services at any NSW Health facility, who may be experiencing difficulties with the new system, to raise them with your organizer. Alternatively, please contact me at [email protected].

I look forward to meeting other members as I continue to travel round NSW and the ACT.

During my continuing travels around the state, I have been fortunate to meet some great members and hear their stories.

Consider our PDS before making a decision. FSS Trustee Corporation ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL 293340, trustee of the First State Superannuation Scheme ABN 53 226 460 365.

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AGED CARE AND DISABILITYWe’ve experienced another amazing year in aged care & disabilities, with members getting active and an incredible growth in membership. In November, we hit 10,000 members for the division – a great milestone and a tribute to the work being done by members, delegates and organisers. There is light on the horizon!

We have had great success with our national aged care funding campaign Our Turn To Care, with significant pressure and media attention resulting in the government calling a Royal Commission into the state of the sector. However, we can’t stand by and wait to see what the recommendations might be. We need the Morrison Government to take action now to reverse funding cuts, increase staffing and wages.

We’re currently in the midst of a serious and largescale dispute with employer Catholic Healthcare. Unfortunately, this employer is making the unprecedented move of attempting to strip a 5th week of annual leave from a large number of its shift workers by redefining

the definition of shift worker. This is not only a very cynical and greedy approach, it also carries the risk of spreading to other areas of aged care if not challenged. The HSU has been campaigning strongly in the legal sphere, in the media, in the community and the workplace. We have also had a great response to our email campaign to the Catholic Healthcare CEO. We won’t stop until they see reason.

I’m looking forward to an even bigger and better year for the Division next year, with Aged Care bound to be a big focus for the federal election. Bring it on!

Rob Sheehy Divisional Manager

Aged Care

PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION

The Public Health Team has continued to maintain the fight against the State Liberal/National Government with campaigns running consistently across the state involving all classifications of our membership. The Public Health Team consists of a strong 23,000 members across NSW and the ACT. With the looming NSW State election being held within the next four months, our members are committed to ensure we get the services that the people of NSW deserve, and ensuring services remain in public hands.

The HSU has been running a major strategic Security campaign across the State called Our Hands Are Tied, focusing on not only staffing levels within Security Departments but also the powers and protections accorded to Security Officers. This campaign has evolved due to the major security incidents within public hospitals

that have involved multiple assaults on staff, patients and visitors. We have called for a full review of security within Public Hospitals across the state and have been given a commitment that the HSU and our members will be involved to address this urgent matter for Metropolitan, Regional and Rural Hospitals.

In addition to running campaigns, the HSU Public Health team has facilitated the HSU Industrial Department in achieving a major victory: having all members’ Casual service counted towards their Long Service Leave balances, a provision that was being abused by the Ministry of Health for a long period of time.

HSU Allied Health Assistants have also had a major victory in the creation of their own Award, a fight which has been fought for the past three years and is now a reality thanks to the hard work of the HSU Industrial Division. This also comes with a significant wage boost to recognise the qualifications of an Allied Health Assistant.

The HSU Public Health Team

has developed a strategic campaign commencing in 2019 targeting the significant understaffing of our Public Hospitals. We are committed to ensuring there is safe staffing across the board in ensuring our members are protected and patient safety is not compromised. Public Health Organisers have already started to roll this campaign out in several LHDs, which has resulted in a significant increase of staffing through the collective industrial action of members. In one LHD alone, our campaign has already resulted in a net increase of 50 additional FTE positions!

Congratulations are due to the Public Health members within the ACT. While members are actively involved in the negotiations for their new Enterprise Agreement, this saw members in the ACT take protected industrial action for the first time in 18 years, helping to achieve significant changes within the proposed Agreement thus far. There are still more negotiations to be held but members are united in achieving the best results possible.

What a year 2018 has been for the Private Health team.

The Private Health area never stays still for long. A number of facilities have closed or reconfigured this year. The Private Health Division has been focused on assisting members in these facilities, even working closely with Southern NSW LHD to accommodate displaced members.

In October 2018 the Private Health team have taken over coverage of the Northern Beaches Hospital, which has kept Organiser Peter Mason on his feet. While there is certainly a significant space for private health providers in our health system, private companies shouldn’t run public hospitals. When will the Government realise this!

INDUSTRIAL DIVISION AND MEMBER SERVICES DIVISION

Another year is nearly over and a very busy one again for our Industrial and Member Services Divisions.

To give members an idea of the calls received by our MSD, in the month of October, the Member Services Division fielded 1,375 calls from across the HSU NSW membership base. Of these, 718 calls (55.1%) were received from members employed in Public Health and the NSW Ambulance Service, and 584 calls (44.9%) from members employed in Private Health and Aged Care.

The issues that members most often raised with Member Services Officers related to Disciplinary matters, Bullying and Harassment Award/EBA Interpretations, Pay Issues and Workers Compensation. Of the 1375 calls that were received during this month, 505 calls (36.7%) were immediately settled by the MSO, while 674 calls (49.0%) were referred to other members in the MSD to be further case managed to completion.

Our Industrial Officers are diligently working towards the end of the year with 50 Enterprise Agreements currently under negotiation. Major cases in train include a prosecution of HealthScope for breach of the consultation requirements of the EBA, and challenging Catholic Healthcare’s proposal to change the definition of shift worker to deny members their penalty rates. Underpayment claims have formed

a significant part of the work of the team this past year predominantly in the Aged Care Sector as well as the Public Sector. At the time of writing, we had just won over $18,000 for one aged care member in underpayments and superannuation.

Unfortunately, at this time of the year we see an increase in the number of members who are dismissed from their employment and at present we have over 20 open claims of unfair dismissal in the Commissions.

On a positive note for the end of the year, as a result of a long campaign by NSW Unions, the Government has announced that NSW public sector employees, including HSU members, will be able to take up to 10 days paid domestic violence leave from 1 January 2019. We will provide details to members when we receive further details. This will now help us fight for the same provisions across our EBAs in the private sectors.

We have recently had many inquiries from members in NSW Public Health regarding the recognition of casual employment for Long Service Leave. This follows on from a win we had in the Supreme Court to have casual service recognised.

HSU members have been filling out a survey which we are using to assist us in pursuing your entitlement and to identify members employed under the other

Awards who also have prior casual service. We have been advised by NSW Health that at present StaffLink is currently not configured to deal with recognition of continuous casual service. Work is currently underway with eHealth to get StaffLink reconfigured, but we have been advised this will take some time.

In the interim, Payroll has developed a manual workaround, and are prioritising this for staff who are applying for LSL and those leaving employment. If members are planning to apply for LSL or are leaving employment and have had casual employment prior to becoming permanent should request their HR to have their casual service assessed. Members can call the HSU Member Services if they require assistance with this.

On a final note, on behalf of the staff in the Member Services and Industrial Divisions, I’d like to wish all members a joyous festive season and the very best wishes for the new year. Thank you for all your support.

Ayshe Lewis Divisional Manager

Industrial

Jodie Cowdrey Divisional Manager

Private Health

PRIVATE HEALTH DIVISION

Enterprise Agreements completed in 2018 NSW/ACT:

Australian Red Cross Blood Service Enterprise Agreement NSW and ACTHealthe Care Transitional Enterprise Agreements;Healthe Care Day SurgeriesHealthe Care Private HospitalsRoyal Institute of Deaf and Blind ChildrenQueensland Diagnostic Imaging Technical AgreementWesley Hospitals AgreementHealthcare Imaging Services NSW EAVision AustraliaNorth Coast Radiology EAQueensland Diagnostic Imaging Clerical EmployeesWentworth Health AllianceIVF Australia Scientists Agreement

Joshua Howarth & Cindy Paull Acting Divisional Managers, Public Health

It would be a tragic missed opportunity if this Royal Commission were to scapegoat individual workers and operators rather than tackling the underlying causes of the crisis.

Scott Morrison in his time as Treasurer cut billions from aged care,Which has had a massively detrimental effect on standards of care for older Australians.

- Gerard Hayes: Secretary HSU NSW/ACT/QLD

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