Medical orderlies and hospital attendants at public hospitals have been left with no option but to take industrial action to demand recognition for the dangerous work they do, and they need your support.

As we all know, these workers play an integral part in keeping their coworkers, patients and the community safe. They put themselves in dangerous situations when there are incidents in a hospital, but the Department have refused to recognise their specialised skills and responsibilities by classifying them correctly.

After months of attempting to ask the Department to fix the issues, workers have no choice but to commence industrial action.

To support your colleagues, you should not pick up the work they’ve banned. If you’re affected by the bans, please let your managers know. The onus is on them to escalate the issues up the management chain for resolution.

From 12pm on Tuesday 1 August, medical orderlies and hospital attendants will be following these bans:

• NWRH – A ban on the transfer of patients to and from the North West Private Hospital, a ban on afterhours plasters, and a ban on running pathology related items

• LGH – A ban on responding to calls from the front desk and a ban on the transfer of patients to and from the Northern Integrated Care Centre

• RHH – A ban on transfer of patients to and from the Hobart Private Hospital (HPH) and a ban on the collection and disposal of placentas from the HPH

It’s time to be union. Let’s show our support to your medical orderlies and attendants so that they can continue their vital work. Together we can demand the fairness and respect that public sector workers deserve.

If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with HACSUassist.