Austin Pathology is now unilaterally attempting to change the rosters, hours and shift patterns of scientists employed in haematology at the Heidelberg campus. The proposed changes include rostering of day staff on afternoon, night and weekend shifts which they have never worked before, and changing the established shift patterns of part-time staff.

The changes were not discussed with the affected staff: Members only found out when the July roster was released.

Under the award the contracted hours, days of work and the starting and finishing times of part-time scientists cannot be changed without their consent.

Austin Pathology is in breach of the award which quite clearly states that the agreed hours of work, days of work and starting and finishing time of part-time staff must be agreed in writing. Further the award states that any agreed changes to these arrangements must also be in writing.

In at least one case Austin Health refused to follow the award and give a scientist written confirmation of the contracted hours despite a written request to do so from the scientist.

Our advice to part-time members is that any change to their working arrangements can only be implemented by agreement, and they have the right to decline any proposed changes. It may be the case that scientists will agree to changing their working patterns, but for management to unilaterally impose changes on staff is unacceptable and a breach of the award.

One of the underlying problems is a shortage of scientific staff in haematology. Imposing changes in rosters on staff cannot solve this problem: only recruitment of additional scientists will fix it.

There will be a meeting of MSAV haematology scientist members at the Heidelberg campus of Austin Health on Friday 20 June 2008 at 2.30 pm to discuss this matter and our response.

Members might like to look at the values which Austin Health states ‘guides its behaviour’ – these include collaboration, respect and empathy .The values seem not to apply if you are talking about pathology.

Go to http://www.austin.org.au/ and click on ‘about us’.