A few weeks ago, we lodged an application to the Fair Work Commission against Southern Cross Care due to their unprecedented attack on their workforce and their failure to adhere to the Enterprise Agreement. Through the process before the Commission, SCC have now had to back down on forcing changes through this year.

Whether this will be enough to get SCC to withdraw this horrendous proposal is yet to be seen, but we will be taking all necessary action to fight this attempt that will put residents’ health and safety at severe risk.

SCC attempted to stifle the voices that were trying to let the public know what they are doing. Why would they do this if they had nothing to hide?

SCC have agreed to delay a final decision on whether these cuts go ahead until 27 January 2023. They will also have to conduct a survey and properly consult on this until 16 January, with at least three meetings. While you may be rightfully cynical that this may not be genuine consultation, we can ask for the FWC’s intervention throughout this to keep them accountable.

We’ve also received answers to some of the questions we have put to SCC – we’ll discuss these responses with you at site visits and return to SCC with your feedback.

We know this is a very stressful situation, and we are keen to work with you to do everything we can to protect you and the residents you care for. We are planning more activities to highlight the negative impact these cuts will have on residents and already over 1000 people have signed a petition asking for a new CEO and Board that actually care about older Tasmanians.

Stay tuned for regular updates as we continue to campaign for an outcome that delivers job security to workers and decent services to residents.