Last week Catholic Healthcare wrote to the HSU about its plans to move to a “standard operating model” – its SOM – at Lewisham. This will mean a review of rosters and, in some instances, an offer to increase your hours of work.

This is because at the same time Catholic Healthcare are undertaking a review of part time and casual employment to see where additional hours for part timers and permanent jobs for casuals may be offered.

While this sounds positive, changing rosters can have a huge impact. Catholic Healthcare has an obligation to take into consideration your circumstances, including any caring responsibilities you may have. Roster changes can also create workload problems so it’s important to consider what works at Lewisham – not just how it can fit a SOM.

Members should have been asked to one-on-one meetings to discuss proposed changes. At these meetings you are entitled to bring a HSU representative with you. Members who would like a HSU representative to attend should contact your local HSU Organiser Hyojung Kim via [E-Mail not displayed] or 0458 012 322.

In the meantime, members are encouraged to:

• Not sign anything until you’ve received advice
• Ask questions, take information, find out as much as you can to stay informed
• Talk with your colleagues about the changes and what likely impact they will have on workloads and resident care

If you have any questions, please contact Hyojung Kim on [E-Mail not displayed] or 0458 012 322 or the HSU Member Services Division on 1300 478 679. If you know someone who isn’t a HSU member yet, let them know HSU members will be supported throughout the SOM change. New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au or by calling 1300 478 679.