Community Health Professionals in 7 Community Health Centres sent a resounding message to management rejecting the sub-standard, non-union Enterprise Agreement that was offered by management last week at 9 centres.  Results are delayed and a new vote was requested at Ovens and King where around 41 staff were balloted but only 14 were eligible!

Under the Agreement proffered by management, Community Health Professionals would have become the worst paid Health Professionals in Australia.

‘This offer is offensive and would see this group of Health Professionals the worst paid in the nation,’ said Craig McGregor, Secretary of the Victorian Health Professional Association.

The Community Health Professionals want nothing less than parity with other Health Professionals working in Community Health Centres. Those covered by the HSU Branch No 4 Agreement achieved a much better outcome just last year.
 
In Merri, EACH/Knox, Bentleigh, Gippsland Lakes and Darebin the vote was overwhelmingly against the agreement with over 90% No votes recorded at some centres. It’s back to the bargaining table for these centres with the VHPA redoubling efforts to get bargaining meetings happening.

The VPHA believe that the overwhelming No vote will positively impact bargaining in all Community Health Centres across Victoria with members sending a strong message that they are serious about genuine bargaining and a decent outcome. It is very clear that there is strength in numbers.

Now, more than ever, Health Professionals in Community Health need to join the VHPA and get on-board.