Protest’s aged-care message

THURSDAY ISLAND agedcare staff went on strike on Tuesday, protesting against pay and conditions, as well as what they say is a lack of cultural awareness in their local aged-care organisation.

About 30 aged-care and Queensland Health staff protested outside Star of the Sea, an aged-care facility.

“There is no dedicated groundsmen, maintenance person or first-aid officer here. We should have staff allocated to those positions,” said a protest spokesman, who has requested not to be named.

Staff also protested against wages, saying they were too low to meet the cost of living on Thursday Island.

“Freight drives up the costs of local products. We need our pay increased to meet this.”

Temporary workers’ knowledge was also highlighted.

“The six-week rotations (temporary staff) are on isn’t enough time to build a bond ... with the elders. This is very important in our culture.”

Protesters said they felt frustrated by the slow progress of EBA negotiations.

A UnitingCare spokesman said the enterprise agreement negotiations between Blue Care, the parent company of Star of the Sea, and employees’ bargaining representatives were productive and ongoing.

“We ... encourage our employees to participate actively in these negotiations and support their right to take protected industrial action.

“The health, wellbeing and safety of our residents is paramount and Blue Care will ensure essential care is maintained at all our facilities at all times,” the spokesman said.