In a provocative move, the ARCBS advised scientists that it intends to implement a new national classification system which would significantly reduce salaries for most MSAV members. This would be a breach of our current enterprise agreement and the associated Heads of Agreement.

We wrote to the ARCBS seeking the withdrawal of the letters and an undertaking that the proposed classification structure would not be implemented in Victoria. We advised the ARCBS that should we not get that undertaking and should the ARCBS persist in breaching the EBA we will seek an injunction.

MSAV ARCBS members met on Tuesday to discuss possible action if the ARCBS move to implement the proposed national classification structure in Victoria. Members were not just concerned about the threat to rates of pay, but also about the lack of career paths in the proposed structure.

Stop Press We received advice from the Red Cross Blood Service today that it does not propose to implement the new classification structure in Victoria without the MSAV’s consent.