Public sector nurses and midwives in New South Wales took strike action on September 10 for “necessary improvements to help rebuild our public health services”.
The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) is demanding a 15% pay rise, plus superannuation, for all nurses and midwives from next July 1.
“High levels of exhaustion and a decade of wage suppression, coupled with rising cost-of-living pressures, have taken a considerable toll on the nursing and midwifery workforce,” the NSWNMA said.
“The haemorrhaging of staff to other states, unlivable pay and unsafe working conditions must be addressed.”
“As the largest healthcare workforce, it is essential to look at the investment needed to sustain our nursing and midwifery professions into the future. The viability of our health system depends on it.”
Recognising the important contribution of this female-dominated industry “can be done by paying a fair and deserving wage”.
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The NSWNMA defied the NSW Industrial Relations Commission’s orders to not take industrial action.
A union spokesperson said it was “disappointing” the Chris Minns Labor government “pushed this matter into the IRC, trying to get the court system to do its dirty work”.
“For months, we have continuously showed up to negotiation meetings and acted in good faith. We even did their work for them, by identifying savings ready to fund our pay claim.
“Yet, the government continues to disrespect and ignore the true value of your work. Not once has government sat down and negotiated your pay.”
NSW Labor has offered nurses a 10.5% pay rise over three years.
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