Southern
USU LAUNCHES PETITION TO STOP WOLLONGONG'S AHM TAKEOVER
By Ben Kruse
USU General Secretary

The United Services Union (USU) today launched a petition to urge Australian Health Management fund (ahm) CEO, Mick McLeod, not to go ahead with the takeover by Medibank.

Hundreds of workers in Wollongong face an uncertain future while Mr McLeod decides the fate of ahm.

The United Services Union (USU) fear the proposed merger would lead to loss of jobs, increased health fund rates, less competition in the health fund industry and the end of a foundation employer of Wollongong. 

"Ahm is an icon of Wollongong, without we will face local job losses both now and for our children,"� USU Southern Branch organiser, Rudi Oppitz said.

"We have launched this petition to rally local support so we can block this merger."�

"The employees that face job losses are people with families and mortgages who do not need this added stress,"� Mr Kruse said.

"At the same time that the workers are suffering it is likely the executives of ahm are receiving huge payoffs."�

"We urge everyone in the region to sign this petition so the CEO of ahm can hear the voice of the people."

"Our message to Mr McLeod is simple 'listen to your community and do not let the takeover of ahm by Medibank Private go ahead'".

Visit here to sign the USU petition.



Contact:
Rudi Oppitz
USU Organiser
0409 662 460

Jun 25, 2008, 12:15:00 © United Services Union