HSU members at John Hunter Hospital will band together with the local community to rally against HealthShare’s misguided decision to close their staff cafe, part of a spate of four closures across the state.
Over 1,000 staff members across various medical fields rely on the retail outlets operated by HealthShare, and the cafe at John Hunter is an important venue for staff to relax and recharge, while enjoying an affordable coffee or meal.
Alternative private providers do not accept a meal vouchers that staff receive when they work extended shifts.
A petition calling for the decision to be reversed has garnered 4,000 signatures.
The rally will be held outside the The Royal Newcastle Centre from 12:30pm on Thursday September 5.
“It’s not too late for HealthShare to reverse this regrettable and illogical decision,” said Gerard Hayes, HSU NSW Secretary. “The John Hunter Hospital cafe provides affordable meals for exhausted and stressed out health workers. Why disrupt something that’s working?
“Management’s arguments make little sense.Reverse the decision and give exhausted hospital workers somewhere to relax.”