Marist Youth Care Fair Rosters Campaign
Members at Marist Decide
- Details
- Published on Monday, 01 December, 2008
Last Friday, a 1 hour stop work meeting was held outside La Valla at which workers expressed their discontent with the proposed rosters. The stop work was extremely well attended and attracted significant media attention. Attached to this bulletin are various news articles.
Resolution
At the meeting, members unanimously resolved:
1. That the ASU and its delegates are prepared to meet with MYC to resolve the dispute on the following basis:
a. That MYC enter into an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) that would allow an alternative roster (24 hours – 8am to 8am) to operate in High Needs houses (where the majority of staff agree) and that the payment of evening penalties would be triggered at 2pm.
b. That the Out of Home Care roster commence at 2pm for both the sleepover shift and the support shift.
c. That the weekend support shift in all houses be at least 13 hours.
d. That costs savings are spread equitably across the organisation, and are not just borne by youth workers.
2. That MYC return to the negotiating table and meet with the ASU and its delegates to discuss the above by close of business Monday 24th November.
3. That should delegates not be satisfied with the progress of negotiations, they are empowered to call a further 12 hour work stoppage.
4. That should MYC seek to implement the rosters on 1 December, rolling stoppages will start from this date.
Members also advised that cuts have been made to shifts in the Keogh house. This is despite assurance by MYC that no cuts to any shifts had been made. Members seek that these be restored.
What Has Happened Since?
The ASU wrote to MYC advising of the resolution above and seeking to negotiate as soon as possible. MYC advised that:
• MYC believe only 18 workers attended the stop work.
• MYC do not believe that the majority of workers oppose the rosters.
• MYC are willing to meet with the ASU and its delegates this Wednesday at 4:30pm but give no commitments to agree to our demands.
In response the ASU advised that:
• 50 workers attended the meeting and there is strong opposition to the rosters.
• We offered to conduct an independent ballot of workers and if the majority of workers say they are happy with the rosters then they can be implemented. If however, the majority of workers support the Union’s position, then MYC must negotiate. Both sides are prepared to accept the outcome. We are yet to hear MYC’s response to this.
• While the ASU is prepared to meet this Wednesday, we made it clear that they need to give in to our key demands before any industrial action will be averted.
Where to From Here?
The ASU is not confident that MYC will give in to our demands and we urge members to prepare for the 12 hour stop work that was agreed to when we last met:
12 hour stop work
Friday 28th November at 8:30pm
to 8:30am Saturday 29th November
A stop work meeting will be held on Friday evening at 9:00pm at Wenty Leagues to discuss further industrial action needed.
It is vital that all workers commit to this action, show solidarity with your colleagues and speak with one voice.
Communication
The ASU is unable to communicate with members via the Marist email system. Accordingly, we request that members provide us or their delegates with their personal email addresses.
