It must surely be a badge of honour to be sacked by Michael Williamson. An officer showing some concern for the members of the HSU in the midst of all this mess would be welcomed by the members but not by the embattled Willimson forces, which must be shrinking in numbers every day. Roll on the administration.
Jenny Haines
SMH, 11.5.12
Nicole Hasham
A SENIOR manager who demanded reform of the scandal-wracked east branch of the Health Services Union has been sacked, plunging the organisation into further disarray.
The controversy came amid claims 3000 members have left since October and as paramedics met with key union officials to demand an end to instability.
The termination of the union's senior industrial manager, Andrew Lillicrap, outraged delegates and a senior executive, who questioned why he was not extended the same industrial rights as the general secretary of the allegedly corrupt union branch, Michael Williamson.
Mr Lillicrap, who joined the union in 2010, was fired yesterday for alleged "wilful misconduct" after a series of run-ins with key executives.
It is believed the termination was instigated by Mr Williamson.
"I believed reform should have started much earlier. Instead, what they have given members over that time is spin, rubbish and inaction," Mr Lillicrap said, adding he would fight the dismissal.
Mr Lillicrap claimed the union had lost 3000 members since corruption allegations were made in September.
HSU East officials and Mr Williamson did not comment.
Last night, the NSW Industrial Relations Commission was given the power to appoint an administrator to the troubled Health Services Union east branch.
A government bill, which gave the NSW Minister for Finance that power, was amended by Labor, the Greens and Shooters and Fishers Party MPs. The commission will have 28 days to make an appointment. The legislation could also apply to any other union.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/national/manager-sacked-for-misconduct-as-more-union-members-resign-20120509-1yd4q.html#ixzz1uVhhSVoB
