Southern IML Pathology Staff deserve Respect- Not Cleaning Toilets Without Recognition
Wednesday 20 May 2026
Many Pathology members have raised concerns about being directed to clean toilets and bodily fluids including faeces, vomit, and urine, despite these duties not being recognised in their pay.
While these duties may be referenced in employment contracts or position descriptions, members are questioning whether the work is being properly recognised and compensated given the nature of the duties involved.
If Southern IML expect pathology members to undertake cleaning duties outside normal pathology work, then staff should be properly compensated through an allowance under the Health Professionals Support Service Award - or they should employee cleaners.
What happens next?
- Your HSU organiser will visit all Southern IML sites over the next two weeks to discuss this matter
- Members are asked to fill out the short survey and invite your colleagues to do the same
- You are invited to attend the scheduled Zoom meeting on Tuesday 1st June at 6pm (Zoom link provided here) where the findings of the survey will be presented and next steps will be discussed.
For any questions or to find out more, please reach out to your HSU Organiser/Delegate or your Member Services Division on 1300 478 679.
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