Orders were issued in Fair Work Australia (FWA) yesterday, on the application of the Union, that all industrial action cease in relation to the lock out of scientists and technicians by Dorevitch Pathology and Gippsland Pathology. This means that the members who were locked out are now able to return to work.

Management of Dorevitch Pathology and Gippsland Pathology opposed the orders. The company wanted to be able to continue to lock members out. See transcript of proceedings.

Private discussions were held in FWA last Saturday. It was our expectation that Symbion Health Limited would have ended the lockout after those talks. Instead the company refused to end the lockout of the 22 scientists and technicians locked out on 10 December 2009.

In response members at Gippsland Pathology walked out of laboratories at Traralgon, Sale, Bairnsdale and Warragul in support of their 22 colleagues. The company then locked out 3 of these members. Not to be intimidated, the members in Gippsland walked out again at 10.00 am yesterday and were to be followed by members at Heidelberg at 4.00 pm.

Once the orders were issued at around 2.00 pm yesterday the Union’s industrial action also ceased

Getting the orders is a great VICTORY for all members employed by Symbion Health Limited at Dorevitch and Gippsland Pathology.

Congratulations to members for standing up to the bullying tactics of the company. We do not understand the company’s tactics as they have systematically destroyed any goodwill from their staff and put the quality of services to patients at risk.

EBA Negotiations Dorevitch and Gippsland Pathology will now continue

The Union was not going to negotiate while members were locked out. Now that the lockout has ended we are able to restart negotiations.  Further discussions over the EBA with the assistance of Fair Work Australia have been programmed. The first meeting will be held on 21 January 2010.

Thanks to members who have donated to the ‘Dorevitch 22” Fighting Fund

From one of the Dorevitch 22 (which became 25 on Monday).

We would like to extend our thanks to the members who have contributed to the fighting fund - that is, for the practical financial help and the sense of unity and moral support that such donations convey

We have received donations from many members – thanks so much. We will thank everyone individually in the New Year. We have also received a large donation from medical scientists in WA employed by Symbion Health Ltd, as well as messages of support.