Action over SCGH and OPH cuts

Thursday 27 Mar 2014

The HSUWA has been working hard on behalf of our members to respond to proposed cut-backs at Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park Hospitals.

Two professions, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, are bearing the brunt of the cuts at both hospitals. The Health Department has taken the position that there is insufficient activity to justify current staffing levels, and it expects that there will be no reduction in the services provided by these two hospitals. 

The basis for the decision by Area management relies on a report produced by consultants, Price Waterhouse Coopers.  It is the Union's position that this report should be released and our members should have the opportunity to scrutinise it.  Until this occurs, we do not believe the consultation requirements established in our Enterprise Agreement have been met.  If the basis on which these decisions has been made is sound and in the best financial interest of the hospitals, then why is it being kept from members?

Our last newsletter updated you on our activities including meetings with senior members of staff, our work with the media to highlight the anticipated impact of these cuts and the commencement of formal consultation with hospital executives and the Health Industrial Relations Service.  We have also had the first formal consultation meeting with Dr Robyn Lawrence and Human Resources.  The HSUWA was told at that meeting that relevant information would be shared; however, no further information has been provided. 

The Union is keen to ensure all of our members' concerns are addressed and that you have plenty of opportunity to consider the decisions being made by the employer.  We also want to ensure that we are in the strongest possible position to advocate on your behalf.  This is a significant effort and we will be establishing a local workplace union committee to drive that work.   The committee will be made up primarily of member representatives from each of the impacted areas.  Invitations to those areas not impacted by the proposed cuts have also been extended and we have been heartened by the strong commitment from these areas to be involved and support action. 

Stay tuned for more news from your representatives on this committee soon.  In the interim, questions can be directed to union@hsuwa.com.au