For more than a year, USU delegates at NSW Ambulance’s Sydney Control Centre (SYCC) have been pushing to have the so-called “Lactation/Prayer Room” brought up to even a basic standard of respect and amenity.

What they’ve found instead is delay, denial, and misinformation and a space that continues to fall far short of what our members are entitled to.

A Space Unfit for Purpose

Photos provided by USU delegates show a room in disarray:

  • Old and unused desks, filing cabinets and other clutter jammed into the space
  • No suitable seating, just old office chairs
  • No fridge available in the room
  • Privacy blinds that don’t reach the floor
  • The space now also being used as an ad hoc storage area

“The State Operation Centre has purpose-built lactation spaces with recliners and soft lighting. Sydney Control Room staff deserve the same respect.” 

MJ Bowyer

USU Delegate

Respect, Dignity and Action

This is about basic respect and dignity at work.

USU delegates will not stop until our members have the safe, private and respectful spaces they are entitled to.

If you see something not right in your workplace, speak to your local USU delegate, because when we stand together, we get results.

“Delegates are the eyes and ears on the ground. Their persistence is what drives real change.”

Sandie Morthen

Energy, Utilities, Airlines and Private Sector Manager , USU

The room is currently being shared between lactating mothers and staff who pray regularly as part of their religious practices a situation that is both inappropriate and disrespectful.

Both groups have legitimate, sensitive and private needs. They should not be forced to compete for the same inadequate space.

 

Delegates Driving the Push for Change

USU delegates have been relentless in raising these issues, meeting with management, documenting the problems and proposing solutions.

They’ve identified several nearby offices currently used on a part-time basis by other staff, who are not based at SYCC permanently and have access to other facilities at Everleigh and the State Operations Centre (SOC).

Repurposing these offices could immediately deliver two separate, fit-for-purpose rooms, one for lactation and one for prayer.

 

The Union’s Demands

The USU has now called on NSW Ambulance to:

  • Immediately remove clutter and stored items from the current space
  • Commit to a clear timeframe for creating two separate, appropriate spaces
  • Provide facilities on par with those at SOC, where lactating mothers have comfortable recliners, cubicles and softer lighting