Thursday 2 July, 2026
The Health Employees’ Conditions of Employment (State) Award was recently updated to reflect several key improvements as negotiated by the HSU. A key improvement was to address the safety issues caused by insufficient breaks between shifts. HSU members now have access to a ten hour break between rostered shifts.
However, management of Hunter New England (HNE) Medical Imaging have written to the HSU to request an exemption from this new Award provision. This exemption has been requested for radiographers at Armidale, Belmont, Calvary Mater, Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Inverell, John Hunter, Maitland, Manning, Muswellbrook & Scone, Narrabri, Tamworth and Tenterfield Hospitals.
Fatigue is a major contributor to workplace safety concerns. Because of this, information has been requested from HNE management to ensure they are taking adequate steps to create a safe working environment for members.
The HSU has requested the following:
- A risk assessment identifying the control measures in place to mitigate the risks of fatigue.
- An example of the current roster pattern (de-identified).
- An example of the proposed roster pattern (de-identified).
- An explanation of why an 8-hour break roster pattern is necessary for service delivery.
We’ve also requested meetings with impacted workers to gauge if those workers actually want to maintain an 8-hour break roster.
To date, HNE management has not provided the information requested and have refused open consultation with HSU members.
In the absence of the information requested, and the lack of meetings, impacted workers are encouraged to share how they feel directly.
If you are impacted by this proposal, please fill out this survey to make your voice heard: https://bit.ly/4vbwVDt
HSU members deserve safe workplaces. Importantly, members should not be disadvantaged if their safety can be ensured.
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