Rep of the Year - Cassie Reading

Monday 15 Dec 2014

Congratulations to the 2014 HSUWA Workplace Representative of the Year, Cassie Reading, an occupational therapist at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.

It is hard to overstate the importance and impact of our Workplace Representatives. They are highly regarded and trusted by their colleagues and constantly stay connected to the team and the union to provide us with support and advice - all voluntarily, and often while working in very busy jobs and having equally busy lives.

Reps are the union's key source of information about what is happening to and with members in the workplace. We do our best work as your advocates when your Reps keep us well informed about what matters to you.

Each year the HSUWA recognises the outstanding contribution of one of our Reps via the Alf Barker Representative of the Year Award. Our Reps have done some truly amazing work this year so standing out from the crowd makes the winner exceptional.

2014 was a particularly difficult year for our members at SCGHOP Hospital Group. Management engaged consultants to review staffing and make cuts, and the OT Department was significantly impacted.

Cassie stepped up and took on the Rep role, was a strong contributor to the Representatives group established at the hospital to respond to the cuts, and worked successfully with her colleagues, management and the union.

Cassie was very active in organising her team to participate in EBA meetings, implement work bans and take industrial action. On the strike day, the crowd featured a large number of the dark orange scrub shirts the OTs wear on strike days and Cassie did a spectacular job leading the crowd through a rousing rendition of a protest song to the tune of Teddy Bear's Picnic!

Cassie demonstrated leadership, compassion, creativity and focus during very trying times and remained calm and positive.

Congratulations Cassie and thank you for your support of the union.