Dear Member,

Glaicia House and Pacific Cape and the Health Services Union have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to address workforce shortages. The MOU has been designed by the Federal Government to ensure safe staffing levels can be maintained by the creation of a labour agreement that will see overseas workers employed when qualified Australian workers are not available.

However, to ensure no local worker is disadvantaged by the labour agreement, all workers will have paid access to their union in the workplace.

Your organiser Karen Wiles will be onsite over coming weeks to establish if:

Your employer has:

• offered all current employees as many ordinary hours as they wish to work to a maximum of 76 hours per fortnight
• established a predictable roster of work, following required consultation with its workforce
• has offered current employees set hours of work
• taken active steps to make employment accessible to employees or potential employees with family responsibilities, study requirements and similar, by accommodating flexible working arrangements including the development of roster patterns that enable the planning or accommodation of childcare arrangements
• committed to the use of agency staff only in exceptional circumstances.

When the MOU is in place, the HSU will continue to monitor fairness through the following measures:

• All new locally employed employees will be able to attend a paid induction meeting of no less than 30 minutes with the HSU, to ensure employees understand their workplace rights and relevant workplace responsibilities at work.
• All new workers employed via a Labour Agreement will have a paid two hour induction meeting with the HSU, to ensure that they understand their rights and responsibilities at work in Australia, and the reporting and quality and safety requirements of the industry.
• Union delegates will have access to paid leave to attend trade union delegate training and training regarding Labour Agreement rights and responsibilities.
• Ongoing paid time meetings with employees to ensure the MOU is being implemented appropriately and fairly.

If you want to speak to Karen about your agreement, the MOU or your situation, you can contact her:  0408 164 519 or [E-Mail not displayed].

Encourage your workmates to join the HSU. Together you have strength in your workplace. New members can join online at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.