• 83% of members managed by Downer do not feel valued, well-respected, and adequately supported.
• 88% of members managed by Downer would feel more valued, well-respected if their hospital was managed by NSW Health.
• 91% of members managed by Downer believe that Downer prioritises profits over people.
• 97% of members managed by Downer support a local campaign aimed at improving their working conditions.
• 91% of members managed by Downer are prepared to take industrial action to achieve this outcome.
• 80% of members are prepared to take industrial action that may require members to forgo up to two hours of wages per month.

 
HSU members have sent a clear message that it is time to improve their working conditions. With this in mind, the HSU has tabled the following requests to the Minister for Health:

1. Undertake a cost benefit analysis of terminating the current contract at the end of 2026 in consultation with the HSU.
2. Undertake a review into the staffing of services provided by Downer in consultation with the HSU.
3. Undertake an independent investigation into Downer’s recent proposal to engage security contractors at Orange Base Hospital.
4. Commit to not renewing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) at the conclusion of its current term.
5. Release a copy of the PPP contract, subject to appropriate redactions if required.
6. Return human resources management functions to NSW Health.
7. Ensure that the District maintain oversight of any proposed changes to working conditions from Downer.
8. Arrange for the current Union Specific Consultative Committee meetings to be chaired by Western NSW Local Health District.
9. Facilitate a monthly HSU members meeting for the remainder of the PPP contract and provide a dedicated meeting room at a location that is not near Downer’s offices.

The HSU has agreed to provide the Minister’s office with three weeks to respond to our requests. The Minister for Health has been invited to meet with frontline workers managed by Downer so he can better understand the context of these requests.
 
It is critical that we act together to improve the working conditions at Bathurst, Bloomfield and Orange. Now is the perfect time to join our campaign to improve your working conditions.
 
For any questions or to find out more, please reach out to your HSU Organiser Thomas Robinson at 0409 316 733 or your Member Services Division on 1300 478 679.
 
Do you know someone who isn’t an HSU member? Encourage them to join our Union today and have a say at work. We are always stronger when we stand together.
 
New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.