Optometrists working for Australia’s corporate eye-care chains will launch a push for enforceable rights to proper breaks, predictable rosters and payment for every hour worked under a Fair Work Commission bid being lodged today by the Health Services Union.
The HSU will apply to vary the Health Professionals and Support Services Award to explicitly cover optometrists, ending the uncertainty that has left workers in the heavily corporatised sector without a clear and enforceable workplace safety net.
HSU members have reported being pressured to work through meal breaks, struggling to take toilet breaks, receiving rosters or roster changes at the last minute, and having time worked rounded down by payroll systems.
Explicit Award coverage would give optometrists clear rules around roster notice, meal and paid rest breaks, overtime, penalty rates and minimum pay, as well as a formal dispute-resolution process and the backing of their union when those rights are ignored.
HSU National President Kate Marshall said the case was about dignity and basic rights at work.
“Being able to eat lunch, go to the toilet, know when you are expected at work and be paid for every hour you work are not perks. They are basic workplace rights,” Ms Marshall said.
“Optometrists are highly trained clinicians who diagnose complex conditions and provide critical healthcare. Yet too many are working without the clear protections other health professionals take for granted.
“We are simply asking for the same enforceable floor as other health workers: proper breaks, reasonable notice of rosters, accurate pay and fair compensation for weekends, late nights and overtime.
“An Award is only the floor, but right now too many optometrists are being left without even that.”
Ms Marshall said years of flat corporate salaries had also steadily eroded the value of optometrists’ work.
“Corporate optometry salaries plateau so sharply that the minimum health-sector safety net has already overtaken some experienced clinicians,” Ms Marshall said.
“This is a profession that can require a 99 ATAR and years of university training, yet some qualified clinicians are earning little more than university students stacking shelves at Coles.
“No one would accept that for doctors, pharmacists or other health professionals. Optometrists deserve the same basic recognition, protections and fair minimum standards and today we are taking action to secure them.”
MEDIA: Eliot Barham | 0423 921 200