Massive win for SCC members

BARGAINING for Southern Cross Care’s Agreement began years ago, way back in February 2020.

This very long process had a number of interruptions, from COVID-19 to management simply refusing to sit at the discussion table with their staff. It was clear from the outset that Southern Cross Care had no regard for their staff and were set on slashing several conditions. This included removing paid meal breaks, cutting Sunday penalty rates, cuts to afternoon and night shift penalties and even diminishing staff redundancy provisions. These cuts were going to see staff thousands of dollars worse off every year, with staff taking an effective pay cut with a dismal wage offer and no backpay. Most importantly, the cuts would put residents’ safety at risk. HACSU members at sites across Tasmania remained strong and united against management. This was no easy feat with little continuity for members given SCC has seen 23 changes in senior managers and facility managers over the last couple of years. Over this same 2-year period HACSU's membership within Southern Cross grew by 250, which greatly increased workers' power at the bargaining table. The games played by senior management and constant threats to workers' conditions all came to a head in December 2021 when staff voted to take industrial action. In solidarity with their comrades across the state, staff began

a campaign focused on the importance of paid meal breaks and how they protect residents. Industrial action was enforced at facilities with the list of bans growing each week for a month, which saw management having to take to the floor to cover gaps. Staff let everyone know why they were taking action, and residents, families and the community began writing to SCC to support workers. Members then escalated their action with stop work meetings taking place across the state. These meetings saw numerous members walk off to wobbleboard with their colleagues and supporters from the broader union community, which led to several stories run by various Tasmanian media outlets. Pressure from the community, negative media coverage and industrial action taken by members got SCC back to the table to finally begin genuine negotiations. Management backed down on the cuts to current conditions including penalty rates, redundancy provisions and paid meal breaks. The action taken by HACSU members also led to employees being offered a decent wage rise with backpay and for SCC to pay for mandatory police checks and working with vulnerable people cards for staff. This was a massive win for members that saw their power in the workplace grow. It also means management should and will think twice about cutting pay or conditions next time the agreement comes up for negotiation.