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Summer 2003

Corumbene campaign continues

The determined 5-month campaign by members working for the Corumbene Nursing Home in New Norfolk is continuing, with ongoing negotiations between management and HACSU delegates and officials.

Industrial action, brought about by management proposals to cut staff hours to address a $250,000 deficit, has temporarily been suspended following a series of industrial actions and rolling stoppages earlier in the campaign.

A status quo position has now been agreed after management reneged on an initial agreement, provoking a second wave of industrial action.

Detailed negotiations are occurring around;

• rosters,

• the provision by the Minister for Health & Human Services of financial expertise and advice regarding the management of Corumbene's deficit,

• a number of ideas to streamline efficiency in catering and cleaning, including not refolding laundry and installing additional cupboards to store linen. (It is proposed to seek assistance from external experts on how to run these areas more efficiently, however, HACSU has made it clear it will not accept these services being contracted out.)

• Education sessions on the Resident Classification Scale (RCS) have also been held.

HACSU Industrial Organiser, Leanne McDougall, said the Corumbene dispute was another example of how not to manage financial difficulties.

"The real problems were caused firstly by poor financial management. Employers should not allow themselves to get into these situations," Leanne McDougall said.

"This was then compounded by management, when they unilaterally announced severe cuts to hours without consulting the workforce, expecting workers would cop it sweet."

"That inflamed a difficult situation, which was further aggravated by management reneging on an agreement."

"Good managers should know that in these circumstances, consultation is the first thing you do. The second thing is to honour and stick by your agreements."

"The actions of management got workers right offside."

"HACSU officials have found that there often are ways of saving money but the best people to identify savings and efficiencies are the workers themselves, the people who are actually doing the job and know exactly how things run."

"Members have now called off industrial action for the present and we are negotiating with management in good faith and hoping we can work together to overcome the problem."

"I would like to congratulate the members for the strength they have shown, and particularly the members of the Worksite Committee, who have been the glue that has kept things together and coordinated the campaign."

"They have done a great job and I believe the workforce are coming through this dispute with an increased sense of purpose and a knowledge of what they can
achieve together."

Any final proposal would be subject to endorsement by members.

If members require further information they should or would like to provide information please contact a member of the HACSU Corumbene Worksite Committee.