The HSU reported to members earlier this month of the decision of the Industrial Relation Commission regarding the infectious cleaning allowance.

We were hoping that the IRC’s proposed clause would be inserted into the Award on 28 July. However, yesterday the Ministry of Health notified the Industrial Commission that it wants to revisit the decision in two respects:

1. The decision of the Commission prescribed the payment of the allowance based on the duties performed. The Ministry of Health wants the decision to prescribe specific classifications that would be entitled to the allowance.
2. The decision of the Commission retained the ‘right of election’ by the employee to perform infectious cleans. The Ministry of Health wants to change that. 

So, unfortunately, we still don’t have a resolution to this long-standing issue. The HSU and the Ministry of Health are back in the Commission on 10 August and we will provide a further update to members then.

Do you know someone who hasn’t yet joined the HSU? Tell them to take the plunge today! New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or by calling 1300 478 679. We are stronger together!

 In unity,

Gerard Hayes

Secretary, HSU NSW/ACT/QLD