IMPACT Health division special bulletin

SLEEPOVER UPDATE

Thursday 11th September 2014

Dear colleagues

Unions representing residential care staff attended the Labour Court today for a hearing on sleepovers and related issues. I made a detailed submission to the Court on behalf of the unions and a summary of that submission is available to view here.

The Court, when addressing the issues raised, reminded the parties that the case was before the Court under the Industrial Relations act and, while reference to the different legal entitlements were noted, the Court would not be ruling on legal issues but would be addressing the issues on an industrial relations basis.

The court also advised that, in those circumstances, the issue of retrospection and/or compensation did not arise.

It was clear that the employer now accepts that sleepover duty is working time and that, in relation to sleepovers, breaks, rest periods, etc, the employer must be compliant. The employer vigorously opposed the union's claim for an increase in the sleepover rate.

The Court advised that it hopes to issue a recommendation on this issue within two weeks. As soon as we receive the Labour Court recommendation it will be circulated to branches for distribution to members. We will, at that time, look at holding regional meetings to brief members on the outcome.

Louise O'Donnell
National secretary
Health & Welfare division

 




 

 

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