Yesterday HSU members attended an important consultation meeting with Regis management regarding the closure of Regis Belmore.

Regis said that they have decided to close the Belmore home, and that this major change will have a significant effect on all HSU members working at the site.

Regis has given HSU members a clear commitment to maintain the contracted hours of all employees. Regis will now start one-on-one consultation meetings with staff from next week, Monday 21 November. 

All HSU members are encouraged to book an appointment with management to discuss what will happen with their employment, and what options Regis can offer to assist employees and to help minimise the negative impacts of this major change. Such assistance may include redeployment to other sites or a redundancy payment.

This is a very stressful time for all HSU members affected, and we want to assist and support you as best we can. With that in mind, Regis have agreed to pay a special retention payment to staff, for working through this difficult period.

Regis have agreed to pay an additional 40% on the top of current rate of pay for employees who work during the period of transition. Regis have committed to provide further details about this additional payment, and we will keep working with HSU members as this rolls out.

Due to the industry-wide staffing crises affecting the aged care sector, Regis has said that redundancy will not be their first preference. Instead, Regis will be looking to offer displaced staff members redeployment as the first priority.

However, if Regis cannot offer you suitable alternative duties, then you may be eligible for a redundancy payment. This is something that the HSU can assist members with on a case-by-case basis.

It’s important that you know your rights during individual consultation period.

1. Regis must consult with all affected staff members. That means:
   Regis must provide, in writing, all relevant information about the change.
   Regis must invite you to give your views about the proposed change.
   Regis must consider any views about the impact of the change.
   Regis must carry out all your existing entitlements in the new contract if you will be deployed in other branch of Regis for example, your employment starting date at Regis/ years of experience, your leave entitlements, contracted hours etc.
2. HSU members have the right to be represented by the union. If your colleagues are not yet HSU members, encourage them to join the union so that they are represented.
3. Do not sign anything you are not happy with. All HSU members are encouraged to seek advice before signing or agreeing to any changes.

If you have any questions or issues, you can reach out to your HSU organiser Anita Bhattarai Pangeni on 0455 995 966 or by email [E-Mail not displayed]. Alternatively, you can contact the HSU office on 1300 478 679.

Do you know someone who isn’t a member of the HSU? Share this email with them and make sure they’re part of the team fighting for our rights at work! New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.