Health and Community Services Union

During April, a series of regional meetings for DHS employees will be held across the state where you will be able to vote for the Union Collective Agreement that members fought so hard for in 2008. By now, all HACSU members working for DHS should have received a brochure in the mail outlining the details of the vote and a reminder about what was won in 2008.

If you have not received one, please contact the Union office on 1300 651 931.

The voting schedule is as follows:

The DHS have now finally agreed to make the biometric finger scan associated with the proposed 'Roster and Attendance' system voluntary for all current staff. Current staff not wishing to participate in this system will be provided an alternative pin number system. Staff will effectively be able to choose which login system they prefer to use, thus alleviating the tensions felt by a number of members about such a system.

The HACSU campaign arising from the resolution passed at last years Statewide delegates meeting opposing Biometric scanning and calling for wider consultation. HACSU delegates have been working through the detail of the proposed system to resolve the concerns and issues of members.

This morning the catering and cleaning staff at Forensicare who are employed by MediRest voted overwhelmingly voted ‘yes’ in a protected action ballot.

This means that members are now able to take industrial action with legal protections. Members are now looking to implement actions if negotiations fail.

To date, MediRest have been reluctant to negotiate with HACSU and are paying their staff at rates which are below the Public Sector rates that they are contractually obliged to pay.

Forensicare Nursing staff have also been very supportive of MediRest staff, collecting over 150 signatures call on Forensicare to enforce the contract conditions with MediRest and standing with them today as the vote took place.

The Health and Community Services Union welcomed the news from the State Government today that Blackwood Cottage, located at Beechworth Hospital, would remain open.

The closure of the facility was being proposed by the Department of Health and the management of Beechworth Hospital and North and West Health. In response to community-run campaign against the closure, the Minister for Mental Health, Lisa Neville, announced yesterday that the State Government would act to prevent the closure of the facility.