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Health Professionals at Yooralla have not had a pay rise for more than two years despite the major disability service provider trumpeting a surplus of $6.6 million.
Yooralla’s Annual Report for 2012-13 shows the $6.6 million surplus was more than double the amount achieved in the previous financial year.
In a further sign that Yooralla has been in a strong financial position for several years, the Annual Report states that the organisation’s revenues ‘have delivered compound growth in excess of 5% during the past 5 years’.
It also shows that expenses, including staff salaries, have been kept low in the past year and have increased by less than 3% overall.
The rude financial health of Yooralla contrasts with the miserly stance of management in its negotiations over a new Enterprise Agreement.
While the VHPA lodged a log of claims for a new Enterprise Agreement on 19 July and have met several times with management since then, Yooralla has failed to positively respond to most of the claims.
Top of the list of claims for Yooralla HPs is a realistic pay rise that takes into account the quality of the service they provide to clients — which makes a significant contribution to Yooralla’s ability to attract funding and revenue growth.
There are around 100 Health Professionals at Yooralla, including many Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists. Other items on the log of claims include:
- Improved redundancy provisions;
- Better access to professional development;
- Career structure enhancements; and
- Increases to maternity and partner leave.
“The unhelpful position of Yooralla management means our members are now going into the holiday season with continued uncertainty over their pay,” said Emma Brelsford, VHPA Organiser.
“We will be holding a series of workplace meetings at Yooralla to discuss the next phase of the campaign and what members can now do to get a good Agreement.”