Scientists and other members of the HSU voted earlier this month to take protected industrial action in support of the negotiation of a single enterprise agreement to cover Symbion Pathology in Victoria, which trades as Dorevitch Pathology and Gippsland Pathology. As management continues to refuse to negotiate over rates of pay and terms and conditions for all staff, members have decided to start a process of industrial action aimed at getting management to the negotiating table.

What has particularly angered members is that an EBA negotiating committee was elected in 2008, and that ‘in principle’ agreement was reached with Symbion Pathology that the EBA negotiations would be concluded by December 2008. Management at Symbion has exhibited lack of good faith, and has succeeded in alienating its workforce.

Symbion Pathology management are well aware of what is needed to reach agreement.

We have reached agreement with other private pathology providers, all of which match the outcomes of the 2008 public sector agreement.