THE union representing aged care workers says it is working to ensure all its members’ rights are upheld amid the proposed scaling back of staffing hours at a Mount Gambier aged care facility.
This comes as Boandik proposes reducing staffing hours on a number of shifts at its St Mary’s site in Mount Gambier.
The not-for-profit aged care operator has blamed cost pressures on the proposal give the facility has posted three consecutive years of operating losses.
Affected carers – who face having their working hours being cut by up to 15 hours per fortnight – have raised concerns these the cuts will result in care being reduced to residents.
Affected employees have until this Monday to provide feedback to management on the proposal.
United Voice – which represents aged care workers – is among the unions that have intervened in the dispute between management and employees.
“Several weeks ago United Voice members at Boandik St Mary’s were informed at a handover meeting that Boandik planned to change rosters from July 30 without consultation,” United Voice SA acting branch secretary David Gray said.
“United Voice wrote to Boandik St Mary’s requesting information and reminding them of their consultation obligations under their enterprise agreement.”
He said Boandik had now begun a consultation process with United Voice.
“There will be no change to carers’ hours during this process,” Mr Gray said.
“United Voice will work with Boandik St Mary’s to ensure members receive all their rights and entitlements under the agreement and to mitigate the effects of any changes on workers and the South Australians in their
care.”
Speaking with The Border Watch earlier this week, Boandik chief executive officer Gillian McGinty revealed the aged care facility was on a financial knife-edge.
She said the organisation needed to find operational savings to ensure the facility remained viable.
Ms McGinty said many aged care facilities across Australia were grappling with similar financial issues.
Regulatory changes and cost pressures are contributing to the difficult financial environment for aged care homes.
St Mary’s is on track to again record an operating deficit in 2018/19.
Ms McGinty said employees had been offered the opportunity to take up other shifts.
