The decision by members of the Medical Scientists Association of Victoria (MSAV) to take strike action commencing on February 5, against the Brumby Government’s failure to negotiate an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) in good faith will create chaos in the health system, said Helen Shardey, Shadow Health Minister.

This industrial action will take the form of rolling 24 hour daily strikes at various major hospitals across the health system.

Should the Brumby government fail to significantly progress negotiations by February 14, a 24 hour strike will be called across the system, adding further pressure to our hospitals.

“Premier Brumby’s confrontational style of negotiating with the hardworking public sector workforce is once again being felt by all Victorians,” said Mrs Shardey.

“Last year, teachers, nurses, mental health and allied health workers were forced to take strike action against the Brumby Government.

“It seems this year Victorians will continue to see the dispassionate Brumby Government’s attitude to workers in Victoria.

“The MSAV have been trying to negotiate a new EBA with the Brumby Government for more than five months and the failure of the government to finalise an agreement has led to strike action being taken.

“Retention rates of medical scientists have fallen due to the exodus of highly qualified and experienced staff leaving for better paying positions in other states.

“Pay rates in Victoria are already 30 per cent below comparable classifications in NSW and unless this is addressed, Victoria will be left with staff shortfalls in all areas of science-based health professions.

“The strike will have an enormous impact on elective surgery, especially cardiac surgery which relies on clinical perfusionists, placing increased pressure on a health system that is already struggling with long waiting lists.

“Other medical treatments which rely on pathology results, cross-matching blood and radiation therapy will also be impacted on by the strike.

“The only thing the Brumby Government and the embattled Health Minister seem to put maximum effort into is ensuring the Victorian health system is in constant chaos,” said Mrs Shardey.