Friday 25 June 2010

The CEPU today welcomed the findings of a special Senate Inquiry into the corporation’s medical practices.

The Inquiry was undertaken by the Senate Environment, Communications and the Arts References Committee and its report was tabled in the Senate last night by Committee Chair Senator Mary Jo Fisher (SA).

“This Senate Inquiry has made recommendations that provide for the better overall management of Australia Post injured workers,” said NSW Branch Secretary Jim Metcher.

“The Union has been campaigning for years to end Australia Post’s poor treatment of sick and injured workers via company paid doctors.

“We also thought it was terrible form to pay managers bonuses for avoiding to record lost time injuries occurring in the workplace, with the help of these company paid doctors.

“As a result of the Senate inquiry looking into these issues – combined with a more consultative Managing Director – Australia Post has signalled it will make major changes to the way it manages workplace injuries.

“For starters, Post has agreed to drop the linking of manager bonuses with lost time injuries.

“And through the course of the Inquiry and our negotiations for a new wage agreement, Post management and unions were able to design a new injury management process that allows workers and their family doctors a greater say in return-to-work programs. This is a big win.

“Australia Post has agreed that it will not force workers to company doctors in the way it once did. For the union and injured workers, this is a critical step forward.

“Additionally, Post will re-negotiate workplace occupational health and safety agreements to help boost the involvement of employees and their unions in workplace safety – suggesting Australia Post is beginning to realise that the commitment to safety is a shared one.”

The CEPU also paid special attention to two findings of the Senate report: 

 

§      The committee’s strong recommendation that Australia Post cease the practice of using medical assessments obtained under the Injury Management (Early Intervention) Policy for workers' compensation purposes.

 

§      The need to respect patient privacy, by preventing the attendance of managers during medical consultations (unless specifically requested by the employee).

“This Inquiry would not have been possible without the support of Senators Steve Fielding (VIC) and Dana Wortley (SA), backed by the endorsement of the Federal Government.  We can’t thank them enough for this assistance.”

Media Contacts:

Jim Metcher, CEPU NSW Secretary: 0418 656 262
Ed Husic, CEPU National President: 0437 371 372