We have had calls from members querying whether this is the case, and whether the industrial action involves our members.

This stoppage applies only to members of the #3 Branch of the HSU (i.e. social workers, therapists, radiographers etc.) and doesnot involve any of our members. We - MSAV, VPA and AHP – are the #4 Branch of the HSU.

As discussed in Stat Report 648, our public sector enterprise bargaining dispute is now before the Commission. This follows the termination of our bargaining periods on 5 March 2008 by the Commission.

The termination of our bargaining periods has led to a 21 day compulsory negotiating period. If the matters in dispute are not settled by 26 March 2008, they will be heard and determined by a Full Bench. The Full Bench is required to make a decision on the merits of the case, and the Victorian government’s wages policy will be therefore be under challenge. Productivity, both past and future, is admissible as evidence going to merit.

A private conference will be held in the Commission next Wednesday 19 March 2008, in which negotiations will continue with the DHS and the VHIA, under the auspices of Commissioner Smith. We are currently preparing materials for that conference. Members of the HSU #4 EBA Committee will be in attendance, as well as Rosemary Kelly, Jennie Bremner and Heidi Brown.