Anglicare Workers Vote No to Inadequate Bargaining Offer

Employees of Anglicare, one of Tasmania’s largest community and disability service providers, have formally voted No to an offer from their employer.

“This Enterprise Agreement involves around 900 staff who work in an industry with high workloads and very low wages and conditions,” said Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) Acting State Secretary Tim Jacobson.

“After more than six months of negotiations, Anglicare has failed to make a reasonable offer that members can accept,” Mr Jacobson said.

“Anglicare’s final offer was put to a vote even though unions consistently communicated to Anglicare that it would be unacceptable to members,” said Australian Services Union (ASU) Assistant Branch Secretary Igor Grattan.

Anglicare yesterday advised unions the result of the ballot was 217 No votes to 187 Yes.

“A majority of workers have sent a clear message to their employer that quality community and disability services are not achieved by treating workers who deliver services with a complete lack of respect,” Mr Grattan said.

“Anglicare cries poor but refuses to provide any documentation outlining the funding it has and is set to receive from the State and Federal Governments associated with the Pay Equity decision.” Mr Grattan said.

“In addition to the Pay Equity funding, service providers have also received indexation funding from the State Government yet Anglicare are only willing to pass on 2% annual wage increases which is well below even CPI.” Mr Grattan said.

“To add insult to injury, Anglicare refuses to increase workers’ minimum engagement to two hours. One-hour engagements for some of its lowest paid workers are cruel, meaning workers are often left out of pocket once they travel to the client and home again.” Mr Jacobson said.

“If Anglicare is to live up to its mission of social justice it needs to treat its workforce with more respect.” Mr Jacobson said.

Tim Jacobson, Igor Grattan