Dear Member,

Following the overwhelming ‘No’ vote that rejected Opal’s insulting wage offer, your HSU bargaining committee met with Opal management last week to continue negotiations for a new agreement.

While Opal did provide a revised proposal, the only thing to change is a less than a 1% increase in the first year. Opal has not proposed any change to personal leave, nor any change on other matters raised by HSU members.

In terms of the ‘new’ offer, this what is on the table: 

 HSU members have been very clear on our priorities for this agreement, but Opal management are still not listening.

Your demands are:

1. Better Pay- HSU members are calling for a fair pay increase for all Opal workers of at least 5% per year, with backpay to 1 July 2023.
2. Fairer Sick Leave– Increased personal leave (bringing NSW into line with our colleagues in VIC), infection control leave and no requirement for medical certificates for up to three days of personal leave.
3. No cuts to conditions- HSU members are firm that any new agreement must not cut current conditions of employment and must not contain provisions below the minimum standards of the Aged Care Award.

We want to hear from you and your experience with Opal’s current sick leave provision. Complete this short survey share your stories so we can take a report back to Opal. This is open to all employees so make sure to share

Your HSU bargaining committee will be meeting with Opal on Thursday, 27 June. 

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.