Hsu Enterprise Agreement 2014
HSU Enterprise Agreement 2014: What it Means for Health Workers in Australia
In 2014, the Health Services Union (HSU) negotiated a new enterprise agreement with the Victorian state government, covering about 32,000 health workers in public hospitals and other health services. The agreement, which came into effect on 1 July 2014, includes a range of improvements to wages, working conditions, and job security for HSU members.
Here`s a summary of the key features of the HSU Enterprise Agreement 2014:
Wages and allowances
Under the new agreement, HSU members received a 3% pay rise per year for the next three years, starting from 1 July 2014. This means that by 2017, HSU members` wages will have increased by a total of 9%. In addition, the agreement provides for several new allowances, such as a bilingual allowance and a uniform allowance.
Penalty rates and overtime
The HSU Enterprise Agreement 2014 also strengthens the protections for shift work and overtime, with increased penalty rates for night and weekend shifts. This means that HSU members working outside of normal business hours will receive higher pay rates. The agreement also clarifies the rules around overtime, ensuring that HSU members are fairly compensated for additional work.
Job security
The new enterprise agreement includes several measures to improve job security for HSU members. Firstly, it establishes a right for casual employees to request conversion to permanent employment after 12 months of regular work. Secondly, it limits the use of labour hire workers and contractors, ensuring that HSU members are given priority for permanent positions. Finally, it establishes a process for managing redundancies, including consultation with affected staff and the union.
Leave entitlements
The HSU Enterprise Agreement 2014 includes several improvements to leave entitlements, such as an increase in sick leave and carer`s leave. It also establishes a new family violence leave entitlement, providing up to 20 days of paid leave for HSU members experiencing family violence.
Training and development
The agreement recognises the importance of ongoing training and development for HSU members, with a commitment to provide regular training opportunities and professional development. The agreement also establishes a new health and safety training entitlement, ensuring that HSU members have the skills and knowledge to work safely.
Overall, the HSU Enterprise Agreement 2014 represents a significant improvement in working conditions and job security for HSU members in Victoria. It demonstrates the importance of strong unions and collective bargaining in achieving fair and equitable outcomes for workers.