Dear Member,

HSU members across Opal sites have reported management using aggressive tactics to put pressure on staff to vote yes to their insulting pay offer.

With the voting period opening this Monday, 29 April, here are some facts about what a no vote could mean at Opal:

Can Opal stop negotiations entirely?

No. If staff at Opal reject this offer, negotiations will continue. Opal cannot unilaterally stop negotiations and Opal must follow to the good faith bargaining rules in the Fair Work Act.

Will we still get backpay?

This will be the subject of further negotiation. After a no vote, your HSU bargaining committee will maintain that any further offer must include backpay backdated to July 2023.

Will we get a better offer?

This will be the subject of further negotiation, but negotiations for a better deal can only take place if staff vote no to this low offer. We need to send Opal a clear message that this offer isn’t good enough, and the strongest way to do that is by having everyone vote no together.

Next steps

If staff vote no to this Agreement, your HSU bargaining committee will go back to the negotiations table to continue fighting for better wages and conditions. Voting no will show Opal that staff won’t accept their poor offer.

Let’s stand together and show Opal that aged care workers deserve a decent pay increase – Vote no to this poor pay offer and let’s keep negotiating for a better deal.

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.