WA Branch Surges Again

The HSU in WA are booming along with the State with a 7th consecutive year of membership growth. In 2005 / 06 the HSU in WA has grown by 7.3%, with the average growth over the past 7 years of 9% per annum.

HSU WA Secretary Dan Hill said the continuing strength of the Branch was no accident, but rather a long range plan to grow the Union.

"We have been committed to campaigning with members on the things that members want. Our Health Professionals campaign has taken 5 years and has delivered pay increases of between 8 - 15% per annum with $20, 000 back pays. At the same time Health Professional membership has grown 56% and means we are now much better placed to deal with Health Professionals issues into the future" said Dan Hill.

Another major pay equity campaign has seen nearly 250 Technicians and Lab Assistants get pay increases of 12 - 15% and delivered a stunning 59% increase in membership.

"We are now starting campaigns with Health Technician members and to improve work life balance by increasing the use of flexible hours and leave. We cannot afford to be complacent, there are too many new challenges facing us."

The biggest challenge to continued growth is John Howard's work laws. Membership growth has slowed in the non government sector where WorkChoices is being applied.

"It is early days for these new laws, and we hope the days are numbered. But we are confident that employers will continue to see the benefits of collective bargaining with the HSU, and that members will not give up hard won pay and conditions without a fight."

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© 2003 Health Services Union (HSU)
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Last Modified: Monday, 23-Oct-2006 12:26:59 EST