Australian Pathology Employers have responded to Fair Work Commission’s decision to determine the Pathology Collectors as Historically Undervalued by confirming they do not value their most experience staff in a display of devaluation that will have devasting long term effects on the industry and all Australians.

In a move that will significantly impact everyday Australians’ access to experienced and skilled Pathology Collectors, the Phlebotomists Council of Australia (PCA) is calling out concerning actions by major pathology providers.

Members have reported being given just two weeks’ notice of major cuts to operating hours and staffing levels across collection centres. Many highly skilled and experienced Pathology Collectors are now facing reductions to their hours so severe that they are unable to continue in their roles – with some full-time staff offered as little as seven hours per week.

At the same time, other pathology providers have resorted to unfair disciplinary actions against staff working in isolated environments who are confronted with patient aggression, unsafe workloads, and other serious workplace health and safety hazards. Rather than supporting staff and providing safe workplaces, these actions appear designed to push experienced employees to resign, thereby avoiding obligations to pay leave entitlements.

This behaviour coincides with the incoming increase to the modern award wage, which finally requires ASX-listed pathology companies to pay their historically undervalued skilled workforce a fairer rate. The determination was intended to ensure that Australians continue to receive skilled and experienced care within the pathology sector.

Such conduct has no place in Australia. These companies should not continue to benefit from government support through Medicare rebates – which account for approximately 80% of their revenue – while undermining the workforce that delivers essential frontline healthcare.