WHEN: 12:00 pm AWST Wednesday 1 May 2024
WHERE: Fiona Stanley Hospital grassed area, Robin Warren Drive
WHAT: Fiona Stanley Hospital UWU and HSUWA members will meet to call on the new WA Premier to Respect Our Roles by actioning overdue improvements to wages and conditions of all hospital workers.
WHO: Workers and UWU spokesperson
Quotes attributable to United Workers Union spokesperson Lisa Judge:
“Today hundreds of union members are calling on the new WA Premier to address the ongoing challenges faced by all hospital workers.
“Hospital workers are fed up, exhausted, and struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. That’s why cleaners, patient care attendants, cooks, and more are uniting to fight for fair wages and respect for the work they do, protecting the health of West Australians.
“The last five-year wage policy failed workers, forcing our hospital staff to choose between a desperately needed pay rise, or better service quality for our communities.
“Improvements to the experience of patients cannot happen without the people who make our hospitals work. We’re calling on the new Premier to fix the issues he’s inherited and demonstrate respect for all hospital workers, starting with a fair wage rise.
“Now we’re back at the bargaining table, it’s time to prioritise the people who prioritise us. Workers are seeking a 7% and 5% pay rise, and demanding concrete solutions that address high staff turnover, insecure work, and poor compensation for working unsocial hours.”
Quote attributable to United Workers Union delegate and Frontline Worker (Orderly) Adrian:
“Mortgages alone have, on average, gone from 30% of our pay to 60%. Hospital workers are struggling more now than ever.”
Quote attributable to United Workers Union delegate and Frontline Worker (Enrolled Nurse) Jessie:
“There seems to be plenty of money for new buildings and new roads. But nothing for people who keep our hospitals working. When patients are in here, they don’t care what the building looks like, they care that the nurses are good and the hospital is clean and safe. We deserve respect for doing that work.”
ENDS