Woy Woy missed in stop-work action

Woy Woy Hospital members of the Health Services Union (HSU) did not join union colleagues in a stop-work meeting because union organisers did not have time to discuss the issue with Woy Woy members

Union members from Gosford and Wyong Hospitals participated in a four-hour stop work meeting on October 7.

HSU general secretary Mr Michael Williamson said that the stop-work meeting was in protest against the NSW Health Department's plans to privatise certain non-clinical services in the Hunter Area Health Service.

Central Coast HSU organiser Mr Adam Hall said that there was insufficient time to organise a union meeting at Woy Woy Hospital to discuss and vote on the stop-work action.

"Woy Woy Hospital HSU members that I spoke to supported the action.

"They are concerned about the job losses that would result from contracting out.

"Our members are not forced to take action.

"Reports and recommendations are issued to members who vote on them freely," he said.

Mr Hall said that the stop-work action was a success.

"The IPART report (Government report into the NSW public health system) recommendations in relation to outsourcing have been put on hold following a meeting last week between our general secretary and the acting Health Minister, Mr Frank Sartor.

"The general secretary will meet with the Premier shortly to discuss the report and the Newcastle Mater (hospital) issue," he said.

Mr Hall said that 24-hour rolling strikes have not been ruled out as an HSU response to the contingency of negotiations with the Government breaking down.

"I am confident that members will vote for such action in the event of talks breaking down.

"Judging by levels of concern at Woy Woy Hospital, I am confident that members there will also vote for such action," he said.

Con Orfanos, media release, October 13