Eleventh hour talks stop Mount Gambier hospital walk out
Hospital staff halted a planned walkout this morning over misconduct claims after a last-minute reprieve.
Catering, cleaning and patient services workers covered by the United Workers Union planned to walk off the job at Mount Gambier Hospital on Wednesday morning, claiming SA Health’s local branch failed to take reports of psychological harm seriously.
The union said members voted to strike after “months” of concerns being “repeatedly minimised or glossed over” and that staff were leaving the hospital due to unresolved behavioural and safety issues.
Threatened industrial action was called off at 5am on Wednesday, following discussions with the Limestone Coast Local Health Network overnight.
Staff had planned to rally in front of the hospital from 8:45am to 9:45am.
“Following discussions with Limestone Coast Local Health Network, hospital workers at Mount Gambier Hospital represented by the United Workers Union have agreed to suspend today’s planned industrial action,” the union said in a statement circulated to media on Wednesday morning.
“This follows positive discussions yesterday evening with the local health network, with members seeking meaningful progress on addressing safety concerns at the site.
“The United Workers Union will continue to monitor progress closely on behalf of its members.”
The Union’s Public Sector Deputy Director Melissa Coad said the planned strike action called for a “thorough and independent review” of working conditions, including allegations of bullying and harassment, and “urgent removal of hazards”.
“Psychological and physical safety is not a perk or a wellness initiative — it is a basic workplace health and safety obligation. Hospital workers have the right to raise concerns, report risks, and do their jobs without fear, trauma, or intimidation,” she said.
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The Limestone Coast Local Health Network CEO Emma Poland said the SA Health branch welcomed the decision to suspend the strike and would continue to work with the union.
“Staff wellbeing and safety is a key priority of the Limestone Coast Local Health Network and we do not accept any form of abuse, intimidation and violence directed towards any of our employees,” she said.
The United Workers Union received a 24 per cent pay increase over three years in October after months of negotiations with the SA Government, which included strike action outside of ministers’ electorate offices.
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