The HSU is currently in dispute with NSW Health Pathology (NSWHP) about the payment of Laboratory Managers and Senior Hospital Scientists throughout the state. The dispute is currently before the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW, where we have argued that members have been underpaid because:

1. There are laboratories where NSWHP have wrongly classified members at the ‘Senior Hospital Scientist’ or ‘Senior Hospital Scientist in charge of a section of a laboratory’ rate, instead of the higher paid ‘Senior Hospital Scientist in charge of a laboratory’ rate; and
2. There are laboratories where NSWHP have wrongly classified members at the ‘Hospital Scientists’ rate instead of the higher paid ‘Senior Hospital Scientist in charge of a section of a laboratory’ rate.

If you are in charge of a laboratory, you should be paid at the ‘Senior Hospital Scientist in charge of a laboratory’ rate – even if it is a small laboratory. We know that there are laboratories, particularly in regional areas, where NSWHP pay the person in charge only at on the ‘in charge of section’ rate. We think this is a breach of the Award.  If you are in this position, you may have a valid underpayment claim against NSWHP.

Similarly, if you are a Scientist who is in charge of a section of a laboratory, you should be paid at the ‘in charge of section’ rate. We know there are laboratories where scientists in charge of sections are paid only at the ‘Hospital Scientist’ rate. If you are in this position, you may have a valid underpayment claim against NSWHP.

The case before the Industrial Relations Commission is ongoing. We have told the NSWHP that we are identifying more members who have been underpaid so we can add them to our claim.

If you are in charge of a laboratory, but are not paid at the ‘in charge of laboratory’ rate, or if you are in charge of a section of a laboratory but are not paid at the ‘in charge of section’ rate, please send an email to [E-Mail not displayed] including your full name, position title, classification/pay rate and your laboratory or section name and location. If possible, please also include a copy of your position description. We can then confidentially discuss your options with you.

We are back at the Industrial Relations Commission on Friday 29 January 2021, so please send through your information as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, or you wish to discuss this matter, please contact Brendan Edghill at the HSU on 1300 478 679 or email [E-Mail not displayed].

If you or your colleagues are not members, you can join the HSU online by going to www.hsu.asn.au/join.