New deal also includes a double-time-for-overtime rate
Nurses and midwives in Queensland are set for an 11% wage increase over the next three years after voting in favour of a new enterprise bargaining agreement.
More than 83% of Queensland Health nurses and midwives accepted the government's offer of an 11% wage rise, including a three per cent uplift in the final year.
It also grants shift workers a double-time-for-overtime rate, as well as enhancements to career structure to make the industry stronger and more attractive.
"Just as we promised, we have delivered a nation-leading agreement for our nurses and midwives, with an 11% wage increase over three years and double-time for over-time," said Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls in a statement.
The agreement will now go to the Queesland Industrial Relations Commission for certification. It is expected to benefit around 57,000 nurses and midwives in the state.
"What was on the table from the Crisafulli Government was designed to ensure nurses and midwives on the health frontline in public hospitals stay ahead on wages, conditions, penalty rates, and cost-of-living," Nicholls said.
Deal follows months-long talks
The new deal comes after 10 months of negotiation between the government and the Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union (QNMU), which led to thousands of nurses and midwives taking industrial action earlier this year.
QNMU secretary Sarah Beaman commended members who "stood strong" during the 10-month negotiation with the government.
"You continue to push back against unsafe staffing, you advocate fiercely for your patients, clients, and residents, and you demand the respect our professions deserve," Beaman said in a statement.
"The strength of our union comes from you, and I thank you again for your courage and fierce determination."
She said that after receiving certification, members can expect their payroll teams to implement the new pay, as well as process back pay from April 2025.
"Because you stood strong, you and thousands of your colleagues will receive considerable pay increases, back pay and improved conditions. You will know your actions helped guide and protect the future of free care and the wellbeing of Queenslanders state-wide," she said.
