Members of the Health Services Union Vic No. 4 Branch are rallying next Wednesday, 1 April, at 11.30am for a decent Enterprise agreement for their public health members.
This union includes a variety of different allied health professionals including Medical Scientists (the people who processed the COVID tests during the pandemic), Hospital Pharmacists, Psychologists and Dietitians.
They have been bargaining now for over a year and have not yet received a meaningful pay and conditions offer from the Allan government.
The stoppage is the first one taken by these workers since 2012.
Branch Secretary Matt Hammond said:
“It’s incredibly frustrating that after 12 months at the negotiating table we haven’t received an offer that respects the value of our members' work, meets their career expectations or provides the educational supports that they need to do their work properly.
“These people are incredibly skilled health professionals without which, just like doctors and nurses, the health system would fall apart.
“They’re tired of waiting for the Allan government to make an offer that recognises their contribution to public health.
“We’re sending a message on April Fools Day that we won’t be taken for granted.”
These workers are fighting for a gender equity pay rise (like the significant pay rise received by Victorian nurses in 2024), better career progression, and improved support for professional learning.
Where the rally will be held:
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Members will meet at Treasury Gardens from 11am, Wednesday 1 April
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They will then march to the steps of Parliament around 11.30 – 11.45 for speeches. Members from different professions will be speaking
For background - El Jones – 0499 658 802
For comment – Matt Hammond – 0418 149 261