Industrial
News 2006
June 2006
Defending nurses against harsh IR laws
Key ANF officials and branch industrial officers met recently at a strategy day to discuss and debate future directions and ANF priorities in relation to the Howard Government’s harsh industrial relations changes. The ANF is committed to maintaining a high level of industrial and professional representation for members and the entire nursing profession.
The government is hoping the full effect of the changes will not be felt until after the next Federal election expected to be held late in 2007, but nurses and workers in a range of sectors are already experiencing the negative impact and unfairness of the laws.
ANF South Australia branch industrial officer Kris Edwards says negotiating future agreements and Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) are some of the key issues facing nurses. ‘We know already that some private hospital employers are offering AWAs despite the fact the workplace has an existing agreement. One of our members signed an AWA recently, only to realise a week later that she would be getting one week less annual leave than everyone else.’
Yvonne Falckh, ANF Northern Territory branch secretary, is set to begin negotiations for a new collective agreement. ‘The interaction from my meeting with the Territory Ministers in relation to nurses agreements was very positive. I hope that is reflected in how we negotiate.’
Nurses employed by the privately run St Vincent’s Hospital in Toowoomba in Queensland are feeling the brunt of the new laws according to Queensland Nurses Union (QNU, ANF Queensland) industrial officer, Steve Ross. ‘Our claim for public sector parity, which we had fought long and hard for, was wiped out by these new laws. The employer (
ANF Victorian branch industrial officer Paul Gilbert says the new IR laws are far more complex than the ones they replace and appear to be ‘comprehensively misunderstood by employers and the commission alike’.
‘There are many problems with these new laws but two of the most immediate issues would be the extent to which the Act precludes or tries to preclude you from taking industrial action. The second is whether you take industrial action or not you may find the agreement you have negotiated with the employer will not be approved by the Office of the Employment Advocate because it contains “impending prohibited content”.’
Patrick O’Leary, ANF ACT branch industrial officer, is concerned nurses in the community and aged care sectors are particularly vulnerable under the new IR laws. ‘Traditionally our lower paid members have relied on safety net adjustments...but it is very unlikely the Low Pay Commission will be providing anything this year.
ANF Tasmanian branch secretary Neroli Ellis says the new laws signal a major change in the way the union does business. ‘We will seek whatever advice we need to gain the optimum conditions and wages for all Tasmanian nurses.
Nick Blake
ANF Federal Industrial Officer