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Autumn 2005

Courage and determination at Corumbene

A great, positive spirit has developed between the workers out at Corumbene Nursing Home.

Determined. United. Courageous. All words to describe how HACSU members out at Corumbene Nursing Home have sustained a campaign over months and months, through their HACSU Worksite Committee, to make sure standards of care and their jobs are maintained.

Nearly two years ago Corumbene management announced a sweeping restructure, rearranging and cutting hours and jobs in catering, cleaning and nursing.

This was the only way because of the financial situation the management said.

Management were, however, surprised when they were met by a united front of workers saying "Think again!".

Workers suggested another course, working together with management to come up with workable and agreed solutions.

After a series of consultations new rosters were drawn up for cleaning and catering, and trial periods put into place.

Following a series of proposals, ECAs demonstrated with extensive documentation there was no way management could cut hours without cutting care standards. Negotiations continue on this front.

The members believe "We would never have got as far as we have without the HACSU Worksite Committee".

"I think it has shown management we know a lot, that we have a role to play and we aren't dummies," one HACSU member said.

"A lot of the clients here are from our local community. We know them. It's like, we might have lived next door to them."

There are still a number of specific and general issues to be dealt with.

Carer staff are very concerned at the growing requirements for documentation.

"We feel we are in a catch 22 situation. We have to do the documentation to get the funding, but then that cuts back on the time we are able to be caring for people," a member said.

Many members are also concerned about communication and information flows.

"Sometimes we don't get the information we need to improve things."

"All staff need to understand the funding situation. Why certain things happen and how you can do things to get extra funding."

But what is the most important thing staff have learned?

Universally members say "By sticking together we can achieve a lot".

Well done to all staff at Corumbene.