On July 22, the NSW Minister for Health announced all NSW Health employees now have access to free car parking at hospitals. However, it appears this message has not been received by Western Sydney Local Health District, who have not granted access to members who did not previously have access.

Members have advised the Union that WLSHD is still charging staff who did not previously have access $5.60 per day or $23.20 for a weekly pass. These members have made the decision to drive because of the obvious risks public transport presents right now.

Over the past two weeks, your Union representatives have repeatedly made representations to the Chief Executive and LHD management about the need to give all staff access to free parking, but it seems our requests have fallen on deaf ears.

In simplified terms, the response we received from management is that last time it was instituted, free parking created havoc and there were issues around staff not being able to find parking. 

The HSU has put forward solutions to address these concerns, including limiting which carparks people can access in order to spread the load, and avoiding over-allocating parking. We have also suggested that those who did not previously have access could be issued with fortnightly passes through the car park operators.

Your Union is continuing to escalate this matter and we have requested that the Chief Executive show support for our members by issuing a directive to all WSLHD facilities to comply with the Health Minister’s announcement.

In the meantime, please continue to provide your Organiser with examples when members are out of pocket because of parking fees.

There has never been a more important time to be a Union member. Encourage your workmates to get on board and get protected at www.hsu.asn.au/join or by calling 1300 478 679. We are stronger together.