Recently, we had our second bargaining meeting with Parkside where they had their chance to respond to your log of claims.

Disappointingly, Parkside tried to write off a bunch of your claims as ‘too expensive’ by saying that it would cost them $1.3 million to implement – we reckon it’s a bit rich to complain about cost when they’ve undercut your wages and entitlements for years comparative to other workers in the same industry.

It’s hard to know what to believe with Parkside, because when we raised that you’re not being compensated for client cancellations properly they were dead set that you are – even though many of you’ve told us again and again that you’re not receiving any kind of cancellation payment.

At one point, they said they won’t undercut the Award – but they walked this back when it came to your ask for a 2-hour minimum engagement for all employees.

Some other disappointing rejections include:

• Wanting to lock in a 4-year agreement instead of our proposed 3-year deal – which will deny you the ability to make claims in a reasonable time

• Refusal to increase your personal leave beyond the bare legal minimum

• Rejecting an increase to shift penalties

• Not paying a first aid allowance (even though you’re expected to be trained in and administer first aid as part of your job)

• Refusing to offer long service leave beyond the legislated minimum

• Continuing to force you to bear the cost of police and WWVP checks (despite deeming them necessary)

Although there was a lot more push back from Parkside than we’d have hoped, signs are looking positive for:

• An increase in travel allowance payments

• Considering a payment when you buddy in other workers

• Allowances for broken shifts

• More regular contributions to your superannuation

• An increase in your Sunday penalty to 200%

We’ll keep you updated as things progress, we’re here to help make sure that Parkside stop trying to undercut your entitlements and wages – but we can’t do it alone. If you’re keen to join us at the table and help keep Parkside honest, let us know.

Our power is in our unity, so if you know any of your colleagues who are not yet members let them know that it’s as easy as going to https://join.hacsu.org.au/ and getting involved.

If you’ve got any questions or want some more information, please get in touch with us via HACSUassist on 1300 880 032 or via assist@hacsu.org.au