Newcastle Weekly, 5 September 2024

Members of the Health Services Union (HSU) at John Hunter Hospital have banded together to rally against HealthShare’s decision to close a popular staff café.

The beloved Cosy Kooka eatery has been operational at the precinct for almost 35 years, providing a place for both employees and the public to recharge and grab an affordable meal.

However, a recent ruling by HealthShare to shut the doors of the cafeteria in late-September blindsided both staff and residents.

According to the HSU, employees have been left with no other options, with alternative private providers enduring extended wait-times and not accepting meal vouchers for overtime staff.

A petition, calling for the decision to be reversed, already garnered more than 4,000 signatures.

HSU member Adam Henry spoke out against HealthShare’s stance, stating it did not consider the community.

“The biggest kicker here is that the community is going to miss out,” he said.

“Bookended between two children’s wards, it’s always been a great place for parents to jump out, pick up a cheap meal and recharge.

“We’ve already heard the demolition guys know more than us.

“They’re bringing hammers and wheelbarrows later in the month.

“But, no-one’s talked to us about what’s going to happen at all.

“So, [today] we’re out here fighting because they’ve left us in the lurch.”

Another HSU member Leanne admitted the closure left many staff, including herself, hurt and confused.

“I’ve been here for 20 years… and I’ve had next to no conversations with anyone about it,” she said.

“You would expect after being here this long to get some form of written notice but we’ve had nothing.”

HSU NSW secretary Gerard Hayes believed it wasn’t too late for the “illogical’ decision” to be reversed.

“The café at John Hunter Hospital provides affordable meals for exhausted and stressed-out health workers,” he said.

“Why disrupt something that’s working?”

https://newcastleweekly.com.au/john-hunter-hospital-staff-blindsided-by-popular-cafes-closure/