SYDNEY — Some 40 health workers, members of the Health Services Union, joined a lunchtime rally and march at Liverpool Hospital here Feb. 29 to protest significant hikes in parking fees imposed by the New South Wales state government.
Michael Kerley, a HSU officer, told the rally of technicians, cleaners, administrative workers and others, “Union members are taking coordinated actions today.” Some 1,000 unionists walked off the job at 16 sites in Sydney, including four other major hospitals.
During the pandemic, free parking was introduced for hospital staff. But in January the Labor government in NSW reinstalled charges for parking, and at higher rates than before the pandemic. At some hospitals rates are up 127% from what they were in 2021. “Why so much?” Kerley asked. “Wages have only increased by 6.8% in the last three years.”
One protester’s hand-painted sign read, “Worked all thru COVID and all I got was a parking ticket.”
Parking with a permit can cost 27.20 Australian dollars ($17.95) per week. Many workers, who have been on a waiting list for a permit for years, have to pay the full street rate for parking, up to AU$11 per day.
Chanting, “What do we want? Fair parking! When do we want it? Now!” health workers marched through the hospital and rallied outside the entrance.