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Summer 2003

Southern Disability Services dispute negotiations continue

HACSU members are continuing discussions with management over the implementation of recommendations from the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) following a dispute at Southern Residential Services.

This follows industrial action by members angry at a proposal by management to cut staff and reduce handover time following a review by the Department.

The AIRC recommendations come from a review ordered by the AIRC during the dispute.

The outcome of the review was described as "disappointing" by staff, and is significant in that;

• the "philosophy" behind the review has tried to establish a peculiar link between less staff and improved outcomes based on an "international" trend advocating risk taking for clients,

• there are diametrically opposed views between staff and management over what is best for clients.

In evidence given before the review, for example, residential staff at Alice Place in Brighton were unanimous in recommending the retention of the current night shift structure, with their main concern being the safety of clients and the health and safety issues for staff.

Yet, according to the recommendations of the review "The current workload does not warrant two night shift staff in each unit... (and that) a night shift be withdrawn on a three month trial period.... "

The review also found that an Alice Place relative was concerned over the proposed reduction in night shift staff as it may have a negative impact on safety, and the Citizen Advocate wanted work practices and behaviour management looked at prior to shift reduction.

A workplace inspector from Workplace Standards Tasmania also said that given the current documentation in relation to manual handling, management would not be maintaining its duty of care to staff if staffing levels were reduced at Alice Place.

Similarly, the review heard at Tank St, New Norfolk that "...staff reported no periods of over or under staffing except on shifts that cannot be filled... (and they) expressed concern that a reduction in night cover may cause problems in the busy morning period". But the recommendation was that one night shift position be removed on a trial basis.

At Pottery Road, a similar situation resulted, with staff "unanimously and passionately" believing in the retention of the day shift. But the recommendation was that the day shift was not required at Pottery Rd but could be retained and reallocated beyond the commitment to Pottery Rd to complement the Resource Team.

However, according to HACSU delegate, Peter Thompson, The Review was extremely rushed and didn't reflect the views of the participants in the review. It reflected the views of the author.

"They wanted to leave any reference to the opinions of the Workplace Standards Authority out and only reluctantly put it in," Peter said.

"I'm certainly not happy with management's interpretation of how they want to implement it. They are reading into it what they want."

"The Department are playing Russian roulette with the lives of the staff and clients. If an incident happens at night, there is likely to be serious injury to staff or clients, and I mean very serious."

The review team was unable to make a recommendation on the issues of handover times.