As a result of you and your fellow HSU members standing up for your rights, management of Estia Health have now confirmed:

• The use of trolleys is about to be introduced so that you can carry trays safely between the dining area and residents’ rooms.
• There will be additional shower chairs so that you don’t have to run around looking for a shower chair during your incredibly busy morning shift
• The use of wet wipes, protective gloves, hand sanitisers, use of face-shields of all workers, and additional resources for the staff room, and extra cleaning work time to keep the staff room tidy
• Resident visitor rules have been made by the management to assure you of your safety at work

This Work, Health and Safety win wouldn’t have been possible without the organised work of the HSU members on site during the whole process – from the issue-identifying stage to the resolution. Members stood together and won.

In addition to these, management have confirmed that workers can use their own language during their breaks in the staff room “if there is no other person present as this does not have the potential to offend or create a perception of exclusion”. The right to freedom from discrimination is also a protected workplace right under s 351 of the Fair Work Act, and any threat to issue formal warnings to staff members who exercise their workplace right to the enjoyment and exercise of their culture constitutes an adverse action under s 342 of the Act.

We are stronger when we stand together. Tell your workmates to join the Union. Joining the Union is easy. Visit www.hsu.asn.au/join or contact your local Organiser at [E-Mail not displayed] or 0458 012 322.