A scheduled meeting with management at Yooralla was cancelled this week as financial information requested by the VHPA has not been provided.
It has long been Yooralla’s claim that they are unable to afford wage parity with the Public Sector for their hardworking Therapists and improved conditions like maternity leave and RDO’s for all staff. But the Good Faith Bargaining Provisions of the Fair Work Act mean that parties involved in bargaining must disclose information relevant to claims if requested. In early January, the VHPA requested information on Yooralla’s financial status- details like expenditure on wages and their surplus or deficit- the details that would enable us to verify their claims.
Without this information, it was impossible to gauge whether or not Yooralla could afford the pay-rise and the VHPA was forced to cancel the meeting.
EA negotiations have already dragged on for many years and to make any progress, Yooralla need to stop stalling and start negotiating in earnest. Due to Yooralla’s repeated refusal to respond to requests for information, the VHPA has decided to initiate proceedings to Fair Work under Good Faith Bargaining rules.
And in breaking Yooralla news today – Management have decided to employ a SPECIAL Industrial Relations Consultant for a 6 month period to deal with the bargaining crisis currently occurring at Yooralla. The VHPA says it doesn’t take a special person to negotiate, but that management must come to the table in good faith, and genuinely care about the current work situation of their important Therapy staff.
Let management know you want a real negotiation by signing our petition. Download the Yooralla Petitition file. Full petitions can be emailed back to the VHPA at info@vahpa.asn.au
Are you a Yooralla Therapist and not getting the campaign updates? If so send your email address to Yooralla Organiser Emma.Brelsford@vahpa.asn.au