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Winter 2003

Disability Services members take Industrial Action over staff cuts

Members employed in Disability Services South met at the Hill Top Tavern in the south of the state on Tuesday 29 July 2003 and voted unanimously to embark upon a campaign of industrial action.

This drastic action was brought about by the refusal of the Department of Health and Human Services to listen to members concerns over the threat to staffing numbers.

New rosters had been circulated across the sites, which also cut the handover time, altered shift times and were in breach of award conditions.

Members voted to immediately implement work bans that included diverting incoming telephone calls to management after 5pm, as well as bans on completing non essential paper work and driving government vehicles.

Rolling stoppages were also authorised.

The following night members walked off the Brighton site for an hour and a half, after giving the DHHS ample time to put in place alternative care arrangements for clients.

A large contingent of HACSU members attended an urgent hearing in the Australian Industrial relations Commission on Thursday 31 July 2003.

They clearly made an impression on Deputy President Leary, who instructed the DHHS that new rosters were not to be introduced whilst talks continued, on the proviso that industrial action also be suspended.

Members met at Franklin Square on Monday 4 August and agreed to suspend industrial action pending the outcome of the negotiations, but further instructed the negotiating team to reimpose the bans if talks break down.

HACSU Industrial Officer Leanne McDougall congratulated members on they way they banded together.

"The turn out to the meetings has been fantastic," Leanne said. "Members understand the fight is not over yet and are prepared to do whatever it takes to make the DHHS realise caring for the clients in an environment that is safe for them and our members should be the main priority."