A statewide meeting of ANMF Vic Branch members recently endorsed a 4-year Enterprise Agreement offer from the Allan State Government. A formal ballot of all public sector nurses and midwives is expected in the coming weeks. While the pay outcomes embedded in the agreement have rightfully garnered widespread applause, HSRs may find the OHS improvements contained in the new deal of particular interest.
They include:
- Requiring HSR and DWG lists to be provided to ANMF VIC Branch immediately following March 30 and again on September 30 each year.
- Greater access for ANMF to Occupational Violence and Aggression (OVA) prevention and management committees.
- A clause mandating an agreed approach between parties to prevent sexual harassment.
- Amendments for broader consideration of supporting return to work for those with mental health injuries, including with alternate employers.
- Improved accident make-up pay to more accurately reflect pre-injury average weekly earnings.
- Clauses addressing fitness for work and accommodations for employees with disabilities, recognising temporary injuries or illnesses as temporary disabilities that must, as far as practicable, be accommodated.
- A new right-to-disconnect clause outlining procedures specifying the order of actions employers must take to fill a shift.
Our congratulations to all ANMF Vic Branch members, and particularly ANMF HSRs.