Westmead Hospital management has confirmed that all staff are entitled to use tearooms at the Hospital. This decision was made in response to reports that certain Nurse Unit Managers were prohibiting cleaners in specific wards from accessing tearooms for breaks.

Union members will not tolerate discrimination based on job classifications, specifically when targeting non-nursing staff.

The alleged reason behind this discrimination is that Pioneer Cleaners on these wards have been misusing the tearooms to avoid fulfilling their cleaning responsibilities. Members have consistently raised concerns about the outsourcing of cleaning. NSW Hospitals should be cleaned to the highest possible standard, and outsourcing must be stopped.

Westmead's failure to manage contractors is not a justification for discriminating against the hardworking NSW Health cleaners. For the last fortnight, NSW Health cleaners have only been granted access to these tearooms to clean up after nurses. This is offensive and unacceptable.

If you or your colleagues have any pushback about using your tearooms in the future, contact your HSU Organiser, Josh Dodsworth via email at [E-Mail not displayed].

If you know someone who isn’t an HSU member, encourage them to join our Union today. We are always stronger when we stand together.

New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.