Dorevitch Pathology seems to have decided that it can cut scientists and technicians legal entitlements to sick leave and can issue its own ‘policies’ in breach of award entitlements.

Under the Private Pathology Award and the EBA members are entitled to 3 days of sick leave per year without a certificate from a doctor, clinical psychologist, dentist or provision of a statutory declaration. This is a legal entitlement which cannot be taken away by Dorevitch. The only exception under the award is sickness when rostered to work on a public holiday, when evidence of sickness has to be provided, or where the person has already taken 3 single days.

Dorevitch is purporting to require members to produce proof of absence for single day absences which occur on night shift, on a weekend, or immediately before a weekend or public holiday, and  is threatening not to pay sick leave is such evidence is not provided. This is illegal, in contravention of the award, and exposes Dorevitch/ Symbion to being sued.

Any members who has illegally been denied paid sick leave should contact the office immediately.

What next from these people? They refuse to bargain in good faith, breach the award, ask staff to mislead doctors in regional areas about where tests are actually being done ... (don’t mention Heidelberg) ...

Note: We expect to lodge the application for a ballot to take protected action against Dorevitch and GPS (Symbion Health) next week and will keep Symbion members informed by electronic Updates. It is vital that all members return their ballot papers and vote YES in favour of industrial action.