New QNU Branch for QEII
Published: 27 October 2011
Members at QEII have identified a real need to form a QNU branch due to the many ongoing issues within the hospital.
A QNU branch is an opportunity for you to have your voice heard within the hospital and in setting the direction of the QNU.
Therefore, an inaugural branch meeting will be held with the view to forming an interim branch:
When: Tuesday 1 November 2011 at 2:45 pm
Where: Computer room on level 4.
The meeting will identify the members who are keen to fill the branch official roles, so that an interim branch can be officially formed.
Thank you to your local Workplace Representative, ED nurse George Linning, who has worked hard to identify members within your hospital who are willing to play an active part in your new branch. Well done George!
ADO Accrual
The QNU has been contacted by some members who have received mixed advice about the accrual of ADOs.
The Queensland Health Nurses and Midwives Award – State 2011, clause 6.1.2 states that,
ADOs can be accumulated, and taken off at a mutually acceptable time, up to a maximum of 5 days, except in exceptional circumstances when the maximum will increase to 12 days.
Annual/recreation leave
The QNU has also been contacted by members who are uncertain if they can request annual/recreation leave at half-pay. The answer to this question can be found in HR Policy C51: Annual/ Recreation Leave, clause 8.5.1, which states, Half pay annual leave is subject to approval on the basis of:
- Service delivery requirements.
- Financial considerations.
If you believe your request for annual/recreation leave has been unfairly denied then you should contact the QNU for advice and assistance.
Emergency Department update
In September, QNU representatives and ED nurses met with Queensland Health to finalise the closure of three treatment beds within the ED due to chronic unsafe workloads and to ensure the provision of safe patient care.
It is only through the determination and professionalism of all of the ED nurses to ensure safe patient care and safe workloads, that this outcome has been achieved.
However, the ED continues to be under-resourced and workload forms continue to be completed. Members will continue to fight for extra resources within the department to support safe workload management and safe patient care.
An article will be featured in the upcoming edition of the QNU’s journal, The Queensland Nurse, so please look out for it!
Intensive Care Unit update
The Unit-Based Staffing (UBS) draft agreement has now been provided to the QNU. ICU members will review the document and full consultation will take place.
Members’ concerns will be fed back to the monthly NaMCF for amendment and approval. The final document will ensure that the UBS agreement is reflective of current ICU practices.
Workloads – report it!
If a workload issue exists on your shift it is critical that you complete a workload reporting form. By formally identifying a workload issue your QNU representatives can work with management to resolve issues.
Without your support in completing these forms, your representatives cannot lobby management for more nursing and midwifery resources.
Your QEII Workplace Representatives, Contacts and EB8 Contacts
Recently, there has been a surge in members nominating to become Workplace Representatives, workplace Contacts and EB8 Contacts.
Welcome to our four new Workplace Representatives in out-patients, as well as Jo Cox and Sian Devereaux in operating suites and Marilyn Kondai and Helen Hoffman in ED.
All of the Workplace Representatives are new in their role, so please make an effort to welcome them – you might just need their advice or assistance as some stage.
There are also four new workplace Contacts who will receive information from the QNU on a regular basis to distribute within your workplace.
A number of members have also nominated as EB8 Contacts within QEII. Their role will be to distribute EB8 campaign information within your workplace.
Thanks to all members who have become more active within your workplace. They are all playing a critical role in furthering your interests and promoting our profession within the workplace.
Come to QNU training
You are entitled to five days of Industrial Relations Education Leave per year. This is leave that you should take to ensure that you are aware of, and take advantage of, your entitlements.
QNU training is available to all members.
Places are filling fast for QNU training scheduled for the second half of 2011.
Specific training for our EB8 negotiations is still available, but please book early to reserve your spot.
EB8 negotiations
The QNU has begun negotiating with Queensland Health for a new agreement for Queensland Health nurses and midwives (EB8).
The timeline for EB8 negotiations has now been finalised. Negotiations will continue until agreement has been made between the two parties. Members will be informed of outcomes as they arise, particularly via EB8 report back meetings.
A report back meeting will be occurring in your workplace shortly. At the meeting you will be able to hear about the bargaining items we will be negotiating on.
The QNU will be writing to Queensland Health to request that members are available to attend the EB8 report back meeting during paid time, subject to maintaining safe patient care. This will allow more members to attend the meeting, so that you are better informed as negotiations progress.
For more information on our EB8 campaign visit www.qnu.org.au/eb8
Contact:
Phone: