Dispute in Victorian hospitals escalates

By Gabrielle Wheeler

MELBOURNE -- Health professionals in Victoria are turning to militant action in response to the refusal of hospital managements and the state government to enter into any real negotiations over salaries and conditions claims.

Employers have offered a 6% pay rise over two years and two weeks' maternity leave, but have not even addressed the major aspects of the claim, including rolling-over of existing terms and conditions, security of employment and no contracting-out of services.

Members of the Health Services Union of Australia Victorian No 4 branch (including medical scientists, pharmacists and psychologists) met on September 24 to discuss escalation of bans.

During the meeting discussion focused on whether proposed bans were sufficient. Following a motion from the floor, members voted unanimously both to increase bans and to go out on a statewide 24-hour strike on September 30.

Members of No. 3 branch (therapists and radiographers), in the face of similar government intransigence, have also undertaken industrial action, and are threatening to close down Victoria's hospitals if there is no response to their claim.

Despite government allegations that this is a dispute about pay, health workers are standing firm in their resolve to defend the state health care system from further privatisation of services, extensive cuts to funding, and a slide in working conditions.

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