The Union agreed to conciliation in the AIRC on Wednesday afternoon with the DHS and the VHIA. The VHIA then went on radio stating that they would be making a pay offer to the union in line with that given to Nurses in their negotiations – which was a lie.

No formal offer was put in conciliation although a “negotiating position” was put to the Secretary and members of the negotiating committee.

Because the conciliation is confidential we are obliged not to disclose the contents of the “negotiating position” save to say that:

We were back in the Commission today (Friday) for more talks – unbelievably we had to give the DHS materials we provided to them months ago. Even though we started negotiations last July, it was as if all those meetings had never happened.

We still do not have an offer equivalent to registered nurses nor the same operative date.

Therefore the negotiating committee asks members to continue with the planned industrial action until we get an acceptable offer on the table.

Members at Melbourne Health will be walking out for 24 hours on Monday 11 February 2008 and rallying between 9.00 am and 10.00 am at Royal Melbourne Hospital Main Entrance.

Any members from other networks who are free to come along and protest with us are welcome.