The HSU met with representatives of NSLHD on Thursday October 17, 2024, in relation to the proposed staffing reductions and HSU members’ subsequent industrial action.

NSLHD requested this meeting after placing the matter into formal dispute under the Award. HSU members strong and collective industrial action brought NSLHD to the table and all members should be congratulated for this effort.

During the meeting, the HSU proposed several steps and processes which may enable a path to resolution. These were subsequently put to NSLHD Executive without prejudice and in writing as follows:

• NSLHD provides the HSU a written guarantee (within 3 days of agreement being reached) there will be no reduction in FTE for Allied Health and Administration roles.
• NSLHD and the HSU commence (within 7 days of agreement being reached) a process to review all existing Approvals to Fill which are deferred or have been declined in the last 6 months. The intent of this process will be to approve positions in a timely manner and prevent a reduction in frontline staff through failure to approve roles.
  • Note: this process will be time-bound, however the parties agree to continue the review for such time as ensures that approval of positions does not create a further backlog. E.g., if a Senior Level 3 Health Professional role is approved and filled by an existing level 2 applicant, the process must ensure the subsequent level 2 position is approved to fill in a timely manner.
  • This process will not be constrained by the types of approvals being sought and will review permanent, temporary, backfill and any roles for which approval is sought. 
• NSLHD pauses the notice provided to all temporary contracts until a review with the HSU (commencing within 7 days of agreement being reached) is performed on each role and department impacted. Such that all temporary contracts, currently within their 28 days’ notice or proposed to be provided 28 days’ notice, will not be terminated until a review is conducted on the position.
  • Note: the HSU acknowledges that consultation was performed in relation to Ryde Hospital, Allied Health in ED and does not constitute part of this review.

NSLHD has committed to providing a response to the HSU in relation to the above requests as soon as possible.

If NSLHD agrees to the above requests, then the HSU will convene member meetings to vote on the above agreement and whether to withdraw industrial action.

Until that time, the HSU member endorsed industrial actions contained here will continue and members should work in accordance with the authorised actions.

NSLHD confirmed they will not discipline any HSU member taking part in action, nor will they suggest or imply HSU members may face disciplinary action for taking part in HSU authorised industrial action.