HWU HAS A STRONG RECORD OF DELIVERING FOR PUBLIC HOSPITAL ADMIN WORKERS

In addition to annual pay increases (pay increases will be backdated from July 1, 2021 with another pay increase to follow from July 1, 2022), the next Public Sector Agreement has many new and additional benefits. (See below). The HWU strongly encourages all admin workers to VOTE YES. Voting opens Thursday, 3 March and closes on Wednesday, 16 March. If you have any questions about the new Agreement, please call the HWU on (03) 9341 3300 or email info@hwu.org.au

BIG PAY GAINS FOR ADMIN WORKERS

The HWU has delivered big pay gains for Victorian public hospital admin workers. We have a strong record. Over the life of the previous Agreement and the new one, massive pay increases have been gained. See the tables below:

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF THE NEW PUBLIC SECTOR AGREEMENT

AN ADDITIONAL WEEK OF ANNUAL LEAVE 

ALL employees covered by this Agreement will now be entitled to an extra week of annual leave. After extensive consultation with our members, the claim for an extra week of annual leave was identified as extremely important. This is a big win by the HWU for our members.  

A GREAT DEAL FOR ADMINISTRATIVE AND MANAGEMENT WORKERS 

Admin and management workers will now have experience payments for recognition of length of service.  Between HS1 and HS5, up to 5 years of experience payments will now be paid per annum.  Additionally, HS1a workers will move to HS1 after a full year of experience, making HS1a genuinely entry-level.  There will also be a classification review within the first 6 months of the new agreement being signed, looking at all classifications.  In addition, there will be a state-wide panel that members can apply to determine which classification they should really be in. 

LONG SERVICE LEAVE ACCESSIBLE AFTER 7 YEARS 

Thousands of HWU members have worked for their current employer for over 7 years, but no more than 10 years. Long service leave will now be accessible after 7 years on a pro-rata basis (phased-in from July 1 2021 – those who have 9 years will access pro-rata from 2021/2022; those with 8 years from 2022/2023; those with 7 years from 2023/24). 

CAREER PROGRESSION 

The HWU remains dedicated to career progression for our members. In addition, the new Agreement allows for a 50% increase in the number of careers advisors employed at public hospitals across Victoria. 

FACILITATING PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT 

All employees working in excess of 37 hours per week will now have the option of moving to full-time employment and the option of receiving a monthly ADO. No request can be ‘unreasonably refused’ by the employer.

SUPERANNUATION DURING PARENTAL LEAVE

From 1 July 2021, the Employer will begin making Superannuation contributions throughout any period of parental leave, paid or unpaid. Such contributions will be calculated based on ordinary time earnings. The Weekly Parental Leave Super Contribution will be paid during each week of Parental Leave (both paid and unpaid) save that the Employee will receive a pro-rata payment for a period less than one (1) week; and where, during the period of parental leave (either paid or unpaid), the Employee's rate of pay increases. Employee's pre salary packaging earnings will be increased accordingly from the relevant date and superannuation paid on the increased amount.

OTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO YOUR PAY & CONDITIONS 

• Portability of annual leave between health services (on election of employee) 
• Sick leave for medical appointments and planned medical procedures 
• Broadened criteria for flexible working arrangements 
• Improved part-time review of hours clause 
• Part-time review of hours after six months 
• Fairer rostering processes 
• A clear and fair process of approving annual leave 
• Full-time staff will be able to request an ADO and, if refused, can be disputed 
• Any vacancies of less than 16 hours per week must be offered internally first 
• Employees will be able to make short-term changes to their contracts to undertake study or career-progression 
• Automatic transition from Grade 1a (HS1a) to Grade 1 (HS1) following a year’s experience 
• Introducing 5 ‘year of experience’ classifications for HS1 to HS5 workers 
• Management and Administrative Employees. Continuous Improvement of Classifications (this is a review of the classifications in Section 3 of the current agreement, to be completed within 6 months of the new agreement being signed) 
• A workload management clause will apply to ALL employees 
• Superannuation paid in to your account monthly, instead of quarterly

If you have any questions about the voting process, please contact your employer in the first instance. If you have any questions about the new Public Sector Agreement, please contact the HWU on (03) 99341 3300 or email info@hwu.org.au. To read the new Agreement, please click on the document link below:

Public Sector Agreement 2021-2025

JOIN THE HWU TODAY

The HWU was able to negotiate this Public Sector Agreement because of our strong union membership across Victoria's public hospitals.

It’s time for all admin workers to support the union that has supported them!

Please take the time to join your work colleagues by forwarding them this link and directing them to our online joining page at: https://www.hwu.org.au/get-involved/join-our-union. 

Because together, we are always stronger!