Mental Health workers in the South have today voted to impose workplace bans and limitations as a result of broken commitments to maintain staffing levels whilst consultation with Unions progress over planned cut backs to Tasmania’s Mental Health Services. This follows similar action taken by their colleagues in the North West last week.
At a joint union meeting today members voted to ban the completion of non clinical documentation at numerous mental health facilities across Southern Tasmania. This ban will not affect front line mental health services but will severely impact on the capacity of DHHS to undertake a number of administrative activities.
Tim Jacobson, HACSU Assistant State Secretary said “Management have turned their back on commitments given to staff only a few weeks ago to properly consult about service changes prior to reducing staffing levels.”
“This is an insult and members are angry not only about management’s broken promises but more so on the effect of staffing reductions on critical mental health services”.
“Mental Health Services management have reduced staffing levels via the backdoor by not replacing vacant positions as well as failing to backfill positions to cover periods of leave. This decision poses significant risk to members’ safety and compromises client care.’ He said.
“These bans will remain in place until such time as Management agrees to reinstate the original staffing levels and recommit to a proper and transparent consultative process with them and their Unions.”
Members will consider imposing additional work bans should Statewide Mental Health Services continue to ignore members’ concerns.
