We had our first bargaining meeting on Monday where we presented your log of claims.
Respect wants to merge all the existing agreements into one document. Our major concern is that in doing so they may take away some of your existing entitlements. We are determined to make sure they do not do this, and we need your continued vigilance and activism to protect your entitlements.
One of our major claims is for universal and equitable provision of employer paid parental leave. Currently, nurses in the Masonic Homes Agreements get 14 weeks of employer paid parental leave on top of the government entitlement, and we are seeking this be rolled out to all staff at all sites.
We also claimed for:
- 6% wage increases for nurses and direct care staff; and 8% wage increases for administration, kitchen, laundry, maintenance and other service staff
- An increase in compassionate leave to 5 days
- 14 days pandemic leave
- Ability to take 5 days personal leave each year without the need to provide evidence
- Increase in shift penalties to 18%
- An extra hour of TOIL or annual leave if you have to work short-staffed
- All workers be paid 250% when working on a public holiday (275% for casuals)
We also made our claim that members want equitable rostering and equal ability to pick up additional shifts. We argued that management should not play favourites and allocate vacant shifts fairly amongst all workers.
At the next meeting in mid-June, we expect that Respect will respond with their position regarding your claims. Stay active, stay engaged and be at the ready in case we have to step things up to protect your entitlements.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate in contacting us via HACSUassist on
1300 880 032 or email:
[email protected]