3 minutes reading time (500 words)

Employment Conditions & Professionalism

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Just completed an awesome course in Perth with a great group of physiotherapists. Really appreciated their insight and some great questions in regards to dry needling and acupuncture.

One of the aside discussions that took place centered around employment and employment conditions. One of the features of these courses is the chance for the sharing of ideas around both clinical and non clinical topics.

From this discussion and other recent ones, it would seem that many physios are being still being employed under the old system of a % fee for service arrangement. In association with this %, they receive no employee entitlements like holiday pay (or leave loading) or sick pay. Some are even being told this % includes their super guarantee. The other issues was some are being employed as 'contractors', even though they only work one job, and hours/duties/wages are determined by their one boss.

Now this may be happening as a new group of employers moving into the workplace are applying the same principals under which they were first employed. Bit like the new football coach repeating the same drills they were taught as football players.

However, given the modern employment awards came into effect in 2010 (the one that relates to us is called Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2010), it would seem an appropriate time for a discussion and awareness campaign to occur within our profession, to ensure that our newer physios are being appropriately rewarded for their efforts and skills.

If you would like some back ground information, check out the ATO or FairWork websites. A couple of direct links of interest can be found here;

FairWork Ombudsmen
http://awardfinder.fwo.gov.au/mati.aspx?ma=MA000027&ti=AT783872

Contractor or Employee - What's the Difference?
http://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/policies-and-guides/fact-sheets/rights-and-obligations/contractors-and-employees-whats-the-difference

Love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Doug Cary FACP
Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist (awarded by Australian College of Physiotherapy, 2009)
PhD Candidate Curtin University
Clinical Director AAP Education

email: doug@aapeducation.com.au

ph/fx: 08 90715055

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