Media release – Health and Community Services Union, 19 June 2024
HACSU medical imaging members to strike amidst record low staffing levels
HACSU radiographers, sonographers and nuclear medicine technologists are today walking off the job for 30 minutes to protest the government’s inaction on implementing a market allowance.
HACSU has repeatedly called on the Department to commit to implement an additional 20% allowance for all medical imaging staff in the state to address chronic retention and attraction issues, with some staff receiving more than $10 an hour less than they would be paid in the private sector interstate. This disparity in pay has meant that the RHH’s medical imaging department is currently operating at 30% vacancies.
These staffing shortfalls have had a significant effect on the community’s ability to access vital scans, with services to Theatre, Liverpool clinics and MRI often reduced. The Department of Health committed weeks ago to applying for the allowance but has been sitting on its hands ever since while the community suffers.
“Medical imaging workers are currently facing a critical shortage, with 30% of roles unfilled. This shortfall is leading to significant and unacceptable challenges, which in turn are causing delays and preventing the Tasmanian community from receiving vital medical treatments that are essential for their health,” HACSU Industrial Manager Lucas Digney says.
“Before the state election, the health minister promised to address the issues plaguing our health system and this is something straightforward and easy he can do – just tick off on paying competitive salaries, aligning the salaries with what other state governments offer their healthcare staff, but all we hear is excuse after excuse.”
Union members in medical imaging do not take the decision to stop work lightly, but feel they have no other choice until the Health Minister Guy Barnett urgently intervenes to implement a 20% market allowance.
