Strong action by CPSU members in a Medicare callcentre at Parramatta has put an end to the deeply objectionable practice of staff having to keep a diary of their toilet breaks.
Background
Over the last two weeks a number of union members contacted the CPSU concerned about a performance management practise which meant they had to diarise toilet their breaks.
Staff were also being told to take no more than three minutes to use the bathroom. Some members even reported management had "popped in" to the bathroom to hurry them up!
Stronger Together
After holding workplace union meetings, your CPSU representatives took your concerns directly to local management and demanded this disrespectful practice be stopped. Thanks to the strong support shown by members, management have today confirmed that this practice will cease immediately. Management have also agreed to inform all staff of the changes.
When union members talk, management listens
Last week your Union wrote to management demanding the following changes:
1. the current work place ‘compliance diary system’ including toilet breaks be stopped immediately.
2. employees will no longer be required to keep a diary of their toilet breaks.
3. toilet breaks will not be included in any performance management system.
4. employees will not be required to keep a “Compliance Diary” of any kind where they meet their 92% compliance target.
A strong union gets results!
When it comes to securing improvements in the workplace, protecting wages and condition, and ensuring Medicare employees are treated with the respect they deserve, your support and membership makes all the difference.
What you can do
1. Now is the time to JOIN. Join online or call 1300 137 636 to find out more.
2. Become a workplace representative and help spread the word in your workplace. To find out more contact katie.rowsell@cpsu.org.au
Lisa Newman CPSU Deputy National President Ph: 0438 255 006
Comments(18)
Posted by:Incredulous - 18 Feb 2010, 2:17pm How about some punitive action by the union (particularly when I note Centrelink 5 minute capped breaks) - such action is a breach of the APS code of conduct - harrasment, lack of respect, no trust to name but a few. It is also unethical. Medicare CEO frequently makes mention of APS Code of Conduct and its importance - lets put it to the test. Go Union.
Posted by:mj - 2 Nov 2009, 11:57am this employer is medicare? you would think that they would know better not to question people when they need to use a toilet. a lot of people do have serious and chronic medical conditions that require the use of the toilet.
Being medicare, a place that deals with healthcare, they should know better, and I agree, they should be very ashamed of themselves for treating people this way. this is harrassment.
shame on you management at medicare!
Posted by:CLK Worker - 1 Nov 2009, 11:15pm As I read this I wondered if Centrelink management have read it. In our call centre we are entitled to a 5 min people support break after every 1 hr 15 mins. It was always understood that if you needed to go to the toilet you would put your self into the people support aux code. Recently however staff in my call centre have been questioned on "excessive" use of this code. A pregnant lady included! Wonder if this is happening in other centres?
Posted by:Drone - 30 Oct 2009, 3:34pm How is this any different to the "OH&S" breaks centrelink have which are timed and capped at 5 mins?? Everytime a staff member needs to use the bathroom they must clock into the timed break. If your break exceeds 5 minutes its brought up in your monthly coaching sessions and you have to explain why it takes more than 5 minutes to use the toilet. It that or you manager comes to see you later in the day for an explanation. Doesn't Centrelink want to merge workplaces with Medicare....this is just the start for staff at Medicare.
Posted by:ess_kitteh - 26 Oct 2009, 11:32am Answers to Rae's questions:
2009, Australia
How about some punitive action by the union (particularly when I note Centrelink 5 minute capped breaks) - such action is a breach of the APS code of conduct - harrasment, lack of respect, no trust to name but a few. It is also unethical. Medicare CEO frequently makes mention of APS Code of Conduct and its importance - lets put it to the test. Go Union.
this employer is medicare? you would think that they would know better not to question people when they need to use a toilet. a lot of people do have serious and chronic medical conditions that require the use of the toilet. Being medicare, a place that deals with healthcare, they should know better, and I agree, they should be very ashamed of themselves for treating people this way. this is harrassment. shame on you management at medicare!
As I read this I wondered if Centrelink management have read it. In our call centre we are entitled to a 5 min people support break after every 1 hr 15 mins. It was always understood that if you needed to go to the toilet you would put your self into the people support aux code. Recently however staff in my call centre have been questioned on "excessive" use of this code. A pregnant lady included! Wonder if this is happening in other centres?
How is this any different to the "OH&S" breaks centrelink have which are timed and capped at 5 mins?? Everytime a staff member needs to use the bathroom they must clock into the timed break. If your break exceeds 5 minutes its brought up in your monthly coaching sessions and you have to explain why it takes more than 5 minutes to use the toilet. It that or you manager comes to see you later in the day for an explanation. Doesn't Centrelink want to merge workplaces with Medicare....this is just the start for staff at Medicare.
Answers to Rae's questions: 2009, Australia