It has now been five weeks since Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Authority (Ahpra) staff resoundingly rejected Ahpra’s proposed new Agreement, but bargaining has still not resumed. Why has it taken Ahpra more than a month to even begin to ask staff why they voted NO in a survey? This is not how an organisation that respects and values its staff behaves.
Ahpra’s behaviour is part of the problem
Unions surveyed staff soon after the ballot result was announced.
The most common reason respondents gave for voting NO was because “the wage offer was insufficient”, ranked first at 40 per cent. The next highest reason, at 25 per cent of responses, was “the way bargaining was conducted highlighted an ongoing disrespect for staff from Ahpra management”.
That is a damning result. One in four survey respondents identified management’s conduct – not just the contents of the offer – as their main reason for voting NO. Unfortunately, Ahpra’s behaviour since that ballot has only reinforced that concern.
Most employers whose proposed agreement is rejected so decisively would be keen to understand why and get back to the bargaining table, to address staff’s concerns and the impacts on morale. Not Ahpra. It waited over a month to seek feedback from staff, and there are still no bargaining meeting scheduled.
Does the Ahpra Board endorse management’s actions?
Ahpra management is accountable through the Ahpra Board. That is why unions have written to Board members outlining our serious concerns about management’s conduct throughout bargaining, including the removal and destruction of union campaign materials.
We have told the Board why staff voted NO and urged them to establish a new bargaining team with the authority to negotiate and return to the table without further delay.
A copy of the letter is available HERE
Ahpra faces significant internal and external challenges. Meeting those challenges requires a skilled, motivated, and well-rewarded workforce – one that’s respected and supported by an engaged management team. Achieving that is the responsibility of the Board, and reaching agreement on an EA that is broadly supported by staff is a key first step.
The Ahpra Board has an opportunity to reset bargaining. We hope they take that opportunity, and take it quickly.
It’s time to join
Ahpra workers have engaged strongly throughout this campaign. You have shared your experiences, completed surveys, attended meetings, and voted decisively against an unacceptable offer.
But supporting the campaign is not the same as being part of the union that is running it.
Our bargaining position is determined by union members, and our ability to win improvements depends on more Ahpra staff joining and working together.
If you want a better Agreement for Ahpra you and your colleagues, it is time to take the next step and join your union.
Join HERE