NSW State Govt Steps Up For Health Workers

NSW Public Hospital workers can be assured of protection from the Howard's Governement's work choices Legislation.

NSW Premier Morris Iemma

The NSW Government this week announced that it will legislate to make all area Health Service employees 'employees of the Government of NSW, in the service of the crown employed by the director-general of NSW Health'

These workers are currently employed by Area Health Services; these Health Services are classified as trading corporations which means that they are susceptible to the new work choices legislation.

Michael Williamson, General - Secretary of the HSU NSW, said the move by the State Government would ensure that the workers are protected from the legislation by taking them out of the employment of a trading corporation.

'When not employed by a trading corporation, Health Workers will not be covered by the Federal Governments IR takeover'

Mr Williamson also warned that this was no 'silver bullet' against the workchoices legislation.

'Though this is a very good outcome for Health Workers in NSW, we must remember that Health workers in the private sector are still vulnerable.'

'This is certainly no time to become complacent'

'John Howard has missed out on his opportunity to put the boot into this group of Health Workers, but that is not going to stop him trying to get the rest of us'

'We need to keep working hard to ensure that Health Workers stick together and keep looking after one another, that is how we win.'

The NSW Government will seek to rapidly implement two pieces of legislation to ensure the changes are in place before the Work Choices Act takes effect, which is expected some time this month.

For more information follow the link provided below.

http://www.hsu.asn.au/Article.asp?d=CP&t=CP&p=1252

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Last Modified: Friday, 10-Mar-2006 16:11:21 EST