Legal action taken against Southern District Health Board

Legal action taken against Southern District Health Board

The union representing food workers has informed the Southern District Health Board (SDHB) that they intend to legally challenge the decision to outsource food production to Compass Group.

Service and Food Workers Union (SFWU) National Secretary John Ryall wrote to the SDHB, citing section 103A of the Employment Relations Act which states that an employer must take a number of steps before dismissing workers, including a thorough investigation of options and a proper consultation with the employees.

The decision was also in breach of the applicable collective agreement.

Mr Ryall advised that any steps taken by the SDHB to contract out the work would be taken in the knowledge that the decision will be challenged by the union.

SFWU organiser Anna Huffstutler said that legal action was necessary because the SDHB had ignored the wishes of the local community.

“We’re going to fight the decision to outsource food production all the way,” Ms Huffstutler said.

“The SDHB haven’t listened to the hundreds of people who have written submissions and attended protests against this plan. They haven’t given proper consideration to our counter-proposal, which would have led to significant savings while protecting our members’ jobs.

“Really, it was a done deal. It’s an insult, and we won’t put up with it,” she said.

SFWU is also in mediation with the Auckland District Health Board over their decision to outsource food production to Compass.

ENDS

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