Continuing our series in documenting union and workers' actions in the lead up to November's State Election, it was the turn of Allied Health professionals working in the public health sector to strike for better pay and conditions, after the Victorian State Government refused to come to the table with a fair offer.
Led by their union, the Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association, they were also joined by public sector medical scientists, dietitians and hospital pharmacists who walked off the job for a second time, joining their Allied Health colleagues in a joint strike action.
In total, more than 3,000 people participated in the action.
Among the professions represented among the Allied Health cohort includes radiographers, speech therapists, dental hygienists, physiotherapists, radiation therapists, exercise therapists, art therapists, among numerous others that doctors refer patients to for treatment for various ailments. The Allied Health cohort are demanding a 36.18 per cent pay rise over three years with their union saying that recent wage offers have been insulting and disrespectful, while also wanting parity and recognition that their colleagues in other fields (nurses in particular) receive.
On part of dietitians, medical scientists and hospital pharmacists - represented under various names but for simplicity sake, by their union, the Health Services Union Victoria No. 4 Branch - are demanding a 5 per cent pay increase per year, among other improvements for their working conditions.
It's the first strike action for many of these workers, and much like many of the signs say - there is no healthcare system without Allied Health professionals. We of course hope, by the end of this campaign, that Allied Health finally gets the recognition it sorely deserves.
The combined rally was a sea of orange and blue. Beautifully contrasting colours if we must say so ourselves.
Much like at the strike actions for the teachers and council workers, there are home made signs galore.
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