Tasmania’s health workers have stepped up strike action after months of stalled pay negotiations, with the union and government trading barbs over patient safety and workplace conditions.
From today, members of the Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) have introduced new work bans, stopping a range of duties including administrative tasks, cleaning, answering phones and collecting blood samples and linen.
Health Minister Bridget Archer said she was “shocked” by the escalation, warning that more than 200 banned services – including feeding elderly patients with dementia or mental health issues and restocking ambulances – could put Tasmanians at risk.
“These are frankly dangerous,” she said. “These patients are Tasmanians. Our mothers, fathers and children.”
“And they deserve to be fed and cared for when they’re unwell – no matter the industrial action.”
“I truly hope that the union rethinks these bans and comes back to the table. Because these bans will hurt Tasmanians.”
But HACSU state secretary Robbie Moore insisted the action was aimed at management, not patients.
“Members have designed the action to not impact on patients but to have a maximum impact on management and the government,” he said.
Moore has previously said any industrial action “will not be putting patient’s lives at risk”.
The dispute centres on the government’s offer of a 3% pay rise for one year, which union members have rejected as inadequate.
Workers are calling for a three-year agreement that delivers fair pay, improved conditions and recognition of workplace pressures.
Shadow health minister Sarah Lovell accused the government of attacking public sector workers and trying to turn Tasmanians against health staff.
She said frontline workers were “stretched to the absolute limit” and deserved better from their employer.
“Bridget Archer is now using social media to try and turn Tasmanians against our amazing health workers and that’s disgusting,” she said.
“But it’s even worse that she doesn’t believe health workers should receive fair working conditions and respect from their government.”
The action involves allied health professionals including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers and dental officers across the state.
The government’s offer remains on the table until November 28.
