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Industrial Action imminent in Dept of Health on Uniforms for Mental Health Staff

HACSU members employed in Mental Health in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) met on Friday 13 December 2002 to consider the Departmental decision not to provide a uniform or pay a uniform allowance. The Dept is further considering its position, particularly the health and safety requirements and will advise HACSU on 19 December 2002. Members will therefore remeet on 20 December 2002. Industrial action will be considered at this meeting if the Dept fails to reverse the current decision.

The DHHS' decision is based upon research that is more than a decade old, is inconsistent with what occurs in the private sector and ignores occupational health and safety, and food handling regulations.

Cleaning and catering staff as well as nurses at other mental health work sites around the State will also be affected.

HACSU has been attempting to resolve this issue since the closure of the Royal Derwent Hospital in January 2000 because the DHHS have refused to make a clear decision about the provision of uniforms or a uniform allowance to Mental Health Services employees.

Talks with the DHHS representatives and HACSU have reached a deadlock.

HACSU members are very frustrated and angry over the lack of understanding and concern about their working conditions and consider that the DHHS' decision is yet another cynical cost cutting exercise.