Current Campaigns
Behind the Scenes Update
ANF has continued to support ANF members over the last few weeks and an outline summary of key current issues is as follows:
1. PUBLIC SECTOR BUDGET CUTS
ANF is finalising a brochure for distribution to the public to encourage the community to contact their politicians and to reveal the real effects of the budget cuts. ANF is appearing before the Upper House Inquiry into the Cost Reduction Strategies of the DHHS on Wednesday 1 February 2012 and appearing before the ACTU Inquiry into Insecure Work in Australia in February. ANF is also preparing a budget submission for the Tasmanian State Government.
2. MEMBERS ON FIXED TERM CONTRACTS
ANF continues to refer all members on ongoing fixed term contracts who we believe meet the criteria for ‘Industrial Permanency’ to the Tasmanian Industrial Commission (TIC). Disputes were lodged prior to Christmas and ANF has been attending the Commission on a weekly basis. Good outcomes have been achieved for members to date, with examples being agreement to additional permanent hours, ongoing extension of fixed term contracts and employment, severance pay and completion of shifts as rostered. Arbitration may be required for some cases in the near future.
3. PUBLIC HOLIDAY PAYMENT
Day working nurses on non-fixed and rotating rosters have not received payment for public holidays in accordance with the Heads of Agreement and the Joint Fact Sheet. ANF has been representing this group of members in the TIC and the DHHS continues to refuse to honour the Agreement and agreed conditions as summarised in the Joint Fact Sheet. ANF has this week requested the matter be referred to arbitration in February.
4. CAREER STRUCTURE IMPLEMENTATION
ANF has now sought the assistance of the TIC to ensure the Career Structure and other outstanding matters arising from the Heads of Agreement are implemented as a matter of urgency. It has been an incredibly frustrating process and disputes remain in relation to the Grade 3-4 translation, with the DHHS insisting on an eight page application with a CV and interview. This is not acceptable for a non-promotable position. Back-pay to April 2011 has been agreed for those successful in their application to advance to Grade 4. Additionally ANF has not received draft criteria for Grade 7a and b – despite agreement in November to forward same to ANF – and Grade 9 criteria to take to members for consultation. ANF is meeting with DHHS early next week prior to proceeding to the Commission for conciliation.
5. NHpPD
An additional dispute has arisen with the RHH regarding calculation of the wards’ FTE and the DHHS proposed removal of the permanent FTE component for relief staff, once benchmarked. ANF has now received all proposed benchmarking and occupancy and has concerns that the DHHS is removing half the FTE of relief factors for shift workers from permanent staffing, resulting in rosters with less nurses per shift and a reliance on casuals and pool staff. This is in breach of the previously agreed process and is also pending referral to the Commission.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the ANF Information Office on 6223 6777, 1800 001 241 (outside Hobart area) or email info@anftas.org.
Authorised: Neroli Ellis Branch Secretary 27 January 2012
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