Health workers' strike threat
Health workers at a rally outside Parliament House today have resolved to stage 12-hour stoppages if the State Government does not agree to their pay demands.
The Health Services Union has given the State government until Jul 4 to agree to give members 9 per cent over two years – in line with the increase that nurses will receive.
If not, its 6000 members and many non members who work in hospital administration, radiography, physiotherapy, medical scientists, social workers, clerks and technicians will stage stoppages in the week of July 7.
Royal Perth and Sir Charles Gairdner hospitals will be the first to be hit with stoppages.
It will affect scheduled appointments and in-patient care.
HSU Secretary Dan Hill said members last staged industrial action for better pay in 2001, under the then-Labor government.
Close to 1000 members rallied at parliament today, calling for Health minister Kim Hames to address the crowd.
