Here's the story the Government told us on Tuesday - How lucky are we?
As HPs and as union delegates we are used to the hustle and bustle of negotiations with Government representatives. These negotiations are often frank and to the point from both sides, that is to be expected, there is a lot at stake.
One thing we do not accept in these negotiations is HPs being insulted by being told we are "lucky to have a job".
We got the offer we expected on Tuesday in terms of wages - the negotiators said they wouldn't offer more than 2.5% and didn't offer anything else in terms of our claims for Section 1 of the Log.
Until Tuesday we had never really thought about how much Government representatives get paid or actually how important their job is. We just accepted the fact that they probably get paid more than most HPs but their job was important and they deserve the recognition and reward that it brings. This is a basic right that any worker should be given, no matter what their role.
We had hoped that as they play a major role in setting our wages and conditions they would take their job seriously and would bring to negotiations a level professionalism which would reflect the seriousness of the issues for HPs and the Government.
On Tuesday, Government representatives, in response to union members asking for a fair and reasonable wage increase, insulted every HP in Queensland by saying that we are "lucky to have a job".
This ignorance of the vital role that HPs play in the health of Queenslanders should have no place at the negotiation table but it did make us think of some comparisons between the role of my fellow HPs and the role of a Government negotiator.
A major part of the Government negotiators role, it seems, is to simply say "no", we expect that, but we shouldn't need to tolerate the insults.
The Government representative says that HPs are "lucky to have a job" because the Global Financial Crisis had seen other "companies" lay off workers.
To add even further insult, we were told that wage increases would only apply from the first of the month in which we reach in principle agreement, but again, Queensland Health failed to provide us with their log of claims. They've had our claims for well over a month, and have been unable to respond (except to say no!) and won't even tell us what they're putting on the table.
Queensland Health also rejected the bargaining group setting timeframes for the long overdue finalisation of matters from HP1, instead wanting this matter to be determined by HPIBB which would set 'indicative' timeframes only with no adverse consequences for Queensland Health for any further delays.
Essentially, management want to continue to be able to delay the finalisation of the implementation of HP1 outcomes and delay progress in the negotiations, but it's us who continue to miss out.
That's why we're continuing with HP Stronger Together and we know that the government won't be able to ignore HPs if we continue to stick together. I know there were lots of stickers out on Wednesday and also great emails going to the Treasurer about 2.5% not good enough and what we do.
So just how lucky are we or is the Government the lucky one?
We as HPs know the importance of our work and how it makes a real difference but we'll give a couple of examples of what our member's do everyday and I'll let you compare this to the Government representative's job and says HPs are "lucky to have a job".
"I am a Speech Pathologist with 11 years experience. In my job I help support premature babies to be able to breast or bottle feed properly without a tube being passed down their nose and into their stomach. I help young children with speech and language delays become independent communicators so they can interact with their parents and peers. There is a direct link between speech & language disorders and literacy levels. I provide the early intervention that helps improve literacy levels in schools".
And this
"I'm a radiographer/sonographer with 15 years experience and post grad qualifications, my skills in medical imaging clear beds in emergency departments and ensure patients get the care they need, I am part of a frontline team that saves lives. My assessment from QH for phase 2 viewed through the FOI policy stated that "I had no advanced skills, or clinical accountabilities", I am sick of being insulted by my employer"
The Government representative should look in the mirror and ask the question "who's lucky to have a job?"
We're keeping it up - we'll keep you informed.
Stay tuned-
Penny Toland and Robert Burnett
Delegates for the QPSU and LHMU
HP EB Steering Committee
P.S You may have noticed the email campaign to the Treasurer, the above quote is from an email sent from a union member to the Treasurer. The Treasurers representative at negotiations doesn't want to listen, so maybe he needs to hear your story straight from you? Click here http://www.hpstrongertogether.com/news_update_100728.html and cc us in at penny.toland@qpsu.org.au.
