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Winter 2002

Queen Victoria members campaign for clients and staff rights

Members from the Queen Victoria aged care facility on the eastern shore of the Derwent River are campaigning for client and staff rights following management’s decision to cut staff and roster hours.

Members have rejected an initial proposal by management, and given notice they will consider a range of actions should management attempt to implement the roster unilaterally.

Management have claimed staff and roster cuts are required because of a budget shortfall, however staff claim the management structure is top heavy and substantially contributing to budget problems. Staff want a restructure of management to be included in any review of costs.

A HACSU worksite committee has been established to represent members at the home, along with a consultative committee to work through the restructure.

HACSU State Secretary, Chris Brown, said the best way to deal with staffing issues and restructures was for the people who work in the area to work together to achieve a suitable outcome.

"The HACSU Worksite Committee at Queen Victoria has to be given a great amount of credit and respect for the professional manner in which they have dealt with the restructure issue," Chris said.

"This issue is not over as yet but with the continuing work of this committee we would expect a good outcome for our members."

The Queen Victoria Home is licensed to accommodate 139 clients with a range of care levels.

The Home has a swimming pool and activities room and gym facilities and large auditorium, hairdressing salon and kiosk open to the public 7 days a week and staffed by volunteers.

HACSU worksite committee members are Karen Aitken, Kaye Bradley, Catherine Burrows, Robyn Chamberlain, Katrina Nicholson, Kathryn Pedder, Lorraine Ransley and Janna Sargison.