HSU representatives met with the Ministry of Health and NSW Health Pathology today to continue negotiations for a new scientific award to cover technical officers and scientific officers.

The HSU is currently in dispute with NSW Health in relation to alleged incorrect classification of TO’s with degrees performing scientific duties. The HSU says that these members should be paid as scientific officers. This is the misclassification dispute; the HSU has been working on this since at least December 2020 formally and earlier via HSU delegates in laboratories.

Unfortunately, NSW Health do not agree with this, but have indicated they are not comfortable negotiating the new Award structure while a potential misclassification dispute remains live.

The HSU hopes that we can continue productive conversations on a new Award but also correcting potential historical misclassifications.

HSU members have done significant work in developing a new classification structure which will enable recognition of scientific expertise, improve career progression, and fairly reward the competencies and qualifications for technical and scientific staff.

The current discussion documents have been developed through the HSU Technical Officers and Hospital Scientists Industrial Committees made up of rank-and-file members. Shortly, you will receive these documents and times for further mass-member meetings to discuss these documents and proposals.

Without wider member endorsement what these committees have developed remain proposals and not a formal HSU position.

Please keep an eye out for Pathology members’ meetings to provide your feedback on the Award and receive a briefing on the current misclassification disputes.

Do you know someone who isn’t an HSU member? Encourage them to join our Union today and have a say at work. We are always stronger when we stand together.

New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.