HSU Members at SummitCare Baulkham Hills have stood strong together to push back against unlawful and unreasonable management action.

On 10 Feb 2023, SummitCare management issued the following ‘directive’ to staff:

“Please be advised from today onwards NO sick calls will be accepted unless you call management during business hours 9-5.

No Afterhours Sick Calls Will Be Accepted From Today 10/02/2023 and you will be expected to attend your shifts.

Failure to attend shift will result in an immediate HR process and I will very quickly move you on from employment”.

HSU members acted immediately and the union wrote SummitCare management, highlighting that the directive was unlawful and that it had caused significant stress and anxiety for staff.

Union members requested that the directive be revoked immediately, and that any disciplinary action initiated be withdrawn, otherwise we would escalate the matter to the Fair Work Commission as an industrial dispute.

SummitCare management have responded, stating the following:

“We had the email directive revoked and they have been reminded all staff of reporting PCL as per the employee Handbook, which states:

“If you are sick and cannot attend work, telephone your Supervisor/Manager as early as possible, and keep them informed so that your area of work may be adequately covered.”

No warnings have been issued”.

This is a great win for HSU members who got active and stood up for their rights against SummitCare management.

When we stand together, we make sure that everyone’s rights at work are protected.

Do you know someone who isn’t an HSU member? Encourage them to join our Union today and have a say at work. We are always stronger when we stand together.

New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.