Member Stories
Opal, give a little, and gain so much more
I became an enterprise bargaining representative quite accidentally. But it was a happy accident. After sending through
some information to our NSWNMA organiser, I got invited to be part of a leaders group and I learned more about the process behind our bargaining meetings with Opal. I wanted to put my hand up and be part of the bargaining team, as I felt it was important to represent not only my colleagues in negotiating our enterprise agreement (EA), but also fight to ensure provisions are in the EA to ensure residents are safely cared for.
My experience of being a part of the enterprise bargaining team has really opened my eyes to how a big business reacts to its employees. It has been a very trying time, speaking from the heart about our experiences at work and discussing the challenges we and our colleagues are facing, only to be shut down and dismissed.
Staff at Opal have just voted ‘No’ to a proposed agreement because it didn’t offer a fair pay increase, or any staffing or sick leave improvements. Before
the ‘No’ vote, 1700 workers signed a petition calling on Opal to improve its offer, and requested to meet with the CEO. She declined to meet with the bargaining representatives and instead they went to a vote. Now we are talking with members about what action we will take to bring Opal back to the bargaining table, so we can continue negotiations and come to an agreement.
If only Opal was willing to give a little, it would gain so much more in return. It would be a company with an amazing reputation, with skilled and experienced employees. But most importantly, our residents could be adequately staffed and cared for.
Kristy Brennan, AIN