Salvation Army terminate dozens of Workers and refuse redundancies

HACSU HAS ATTEMPTED TO NEGOTIATE REDUNDANCIES FOR WORKERS FORMERLY EMPLOYED BY THE SALVATION ARMY.

AS A RESULT OF THE SALVATION ARMY REFUSING TO PAY REDUNDANCIES HACSU NOW HAS NO OPTION BUT TO PURSUE JUSTICE FOR WORKERS THROUGH THE FAIR WORK COMMISSION.

The Salvation Army have lost a contract, and have terminated the employment of dozens of workers.

“These workers had been employed for many years on contracts, but the Salvation Army are claiming they have no requirement to pay redundancies. Given that workers entitlements are not being transferred to the new provider, it’s a lose-lose for workers” said Robbie Moore, Assistant Secretary of the Health and Community Services Union (HACSU).

Government funded residential therapeutic care for at risk children has up until recently been shared between 2 leading not for profit organisations in Tasmania. As of July 2015 residential therapeutic care is now being delivered by a new provider.

“What we are seeing today is a complete disconnection between the values that the Salvation Army espouse, and the way they operate as an employer.

“The Salvation Army has received significant government funding over the last four years to deliver this program. HACSU believes workers are now being denied the most basic of entitlements – redundancy packages for workers who lose their jobs.

“We have made several attempts to resolve this dispute – but Salvation Army management are refusing to take this matter seriously.

“The Salvation Army state on their own website that; “Employers have a responsibility to treat their employees fairly”.

“As a result of the Salvation Army refusing to pay redundancies, HACSU will pursue justice for these workers through the Fair Work Commission.

“We call upon the Salvation Army to practice what they preach and work with us to negotiate a solution.”
HACSU ASSISTANT STATE SECRETARY ROBBIE MOORE