Public sector nurses and midwives in New South Wales took strike action on September 10 for 鈥渘ecessary improvements to help rebuild our public health services鈥.
The is demanding a 15% pay rise, plus superannuation, for all nurses and midwives from next July 1.
鈥淗igh 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,鈥 the NSWNMA said.
鈥淭he haemorrhaging of staff to other states, unlivable pay and unsafe working conditions must be addressed.鈥
鈥淎s 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.鈥
Recognising the important contribution of this female-dominated industry 鈥渃an be done by paying a fair and deserving wage鈥.
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The NSWNMA defied the NSW Industrial Relations Commission鈥檚 orders to not take industrial action.
A union spokesperson said it was 鈥渄isappointing鈥 the Chris Minns Labor government 鈥減ushed this matter into the IRC, trying to get the court system to do its dirty work鈥.
鈥淔or 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.
鈥淵et, the government continues to disrespect and ignore the true value of your work. Not once has government sat down and negotiated your pay.鈥
NSW Labor has offered nurses a 10.5% pay rise over three years.
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