Nurses, midwives set for a 3% retroactive pay increase, better work conditions
Public sector nurses and midwives in New South Wales have accepted an interim deal from the government providing a three per cent pay increase and improvements to working conditions.
The pay hike will be paid retrospectively from July 1, plus 0.5% in superannuation, according to the NSW government.
The Night Shift Penalty Rate will also rise from 15% to 20%, effective from July 1, with further benefits to be provided, including:
- Two consecutive days off
- Consultation before published roster changes
- No night duty before annual leave unless requested
Shaye Candish, NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association (NSWNMA) General Secretary, said members have voted to accept the interim offer from the government.
"Nurses and midwives are struggling to pay their bills in this cost-of-living crisis so any financial relief is welcomed," Candish said in a statement. "Improvements to rosters will also provide staff with greater work-life balance."
Addressing the 'chronic shortage' of nurses
Meanwhile, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the vote is a major step in addressing the "chronic shortage of nurses" in the state.
"When we came to office, NSW was facing a health workforce crisis - our nurses, our paramedics, our hospital workers were leaving. We are turning things around," Park said in a statement.
"We have an independent process underway to determine what we need to do to ensure NSW nurses have the pay and conditions needed, including to address the gender pay gap that exists."
The wage hike comes after the NSW government scrapped the wages cap that affected wages of frontline workers in the state.
"This interim deal on pay, nightshift penalties and improvements to conditions is an important step towards the long-term repair of healthcare across NSW," said Treasurer Daniel Mookhey in a statement.
"We have delivered wage agreements for 81% of public sector workers - investing in the teachers, paramedics, health workers, and police who provide essential services. This would not be possible under the Coalition's wage cap."
Long way to go
For the NSWNMA, the acceptance of the interim deal is not the end of their fight for better pay and conditions.
The union has submitted a claim to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission seeking a 35% pay increase to be implemented over three years. The case is scheduled for a six-week hearing, running from September 30 to November 7.
"As part of this case, which is one of the biggest industrial cases this state has seen, we will present evidence around the gendered undervaluation of nurses and midwives' work and the work value changes our professions have seen over the past 16 years," Candish said.
