The HSU has been contacted regarding a shift swap policy for Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospital staff that fall under the corporate services line. Members have advised that a communication was sent to staff via a portal that is not easily sighted, meaning that some may not be aware of this policy. A copy is available to view at this link.

Members are particularly concerned about the section in the policy and the shift swap form that reads “submitted to the Manager at least 48 hours prior to the commencement of the first shift involved in the proposed swap”. Members have suggested the following addition to the wording: “submitted to the Manager at least 48 hours prior to the commencement of the first shift involved in the proposed swap but later submissions will be seriously considered”. This would mean that submitting a shift swap inside the 48 hours would not necessarily be met with a blanket decision of ‘no’.

Members have also raised concerns that this policy did not go through a genuine consultation in which staff were invited to share their views. The HSU and delegates have held an initial meeting with management to express these concerns and the policy has now been placed on the agenda at the next BMDH Staff Consultative Committee meeting in March. However, the sooner this issue is resolved, the better.

Please send any concerns or feedback you might have around this policy to email [E-Mail not displayed] by Thursday 4 February 2021.

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