Value us: public health campaign

13 November 2024

Today thousands of nurses and midwives across NSW hit the streets to tell the state government it must do more to recognise your work.

You turned out en masse, with more members taking action today than ever before. It was tremendous to see your passion on show.

While nurses and midwives were out making sure their voices were heard, the NSW government was trying to divert the media away from the mounting pressure it is now facing.

​​“The government sees the sense of rewarding police to attract recruits and retain experience, but is blind to the same plight facing nurses and midwives, instead penalising them for wanting better care for patients.”

– Sydney Morning Herald Editorial, 12 November, 2024

Not only is the Premier saying you should pay for ratios through low wages, the government has broken with negotiation protocol by revealing the substandard proposal it put forward during our recent “good faith” negotiations. This proposal was woefully inadequate from the get-go.

The government’s proposition, averaged out to 15% over three years, required significant trade-offs, and only provided 3% for RN8s and above. It did not include movement on any other cost items, and it was nowhere near what members expect or deserve! 

This government suggested we take certain penalty rates off nurses and midwives to simply offer them back to you in base wages. 

We flat-out rejected these suggestions because it was divisive and unfair, you cannot give with one hand and take with the other. Nor did it resolve the gender and state-driven pay disparity that is crippling our health system and forcing nurses and midwives to move to other states.

The government’s decision to breach the protocols of these negotiations only exposes its desperation. Labor is feeling the heat, so we must keep this pressure up.

Make sure you call your local MP!

The actions you are taking are having an impact. We can’t stop now.

Click here to call your local MP and demand they take action to publicly support nurses and midwives.

We have handy tips for calling your local MP, including suggestions on what to say, and how best to get your message across.

Remember to call between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, to ensure you reach your MP’s office during business hours. Don’t forget to tell your family and friends to get involved.

We’ll have more to share with you soon. We are proud to be members of a union demonstrating such power and solidarity. We’re with you in this fight.

12 November 2024

From the start of morning shift tomorrow (Wednesday, 13 November), public sector nurses and midwives from across the state will strike for 24 hours.

The NSW government has shown it has no plan to tackle the interstate and gender-driven wage disparity in our state, and Chris Minns seems perfectly fine with letting NSW nurses and midwives remain the lowest paid in the country.

We aren’t going to stand by and let the government ignore us. 

Click below to hear a message from Belle, NSWNMA Macarthur Branch, ahead of tomorrow’s strike action.

Please join us on Macquarie Street tomorrow, or at one of the regional sites across the state.

We need as many nurses and midwives as possible standing side by side in this fight.

Wear your NSWNMA scrubs. If you’re wearing work scrubs, stick a campaign badge or sticker over the NSW Health logo.

You will receive an SMS tomorrow morning asking if you are attending a rally. Your reply to this SMS helps us show the NSW government just how angry we are.

Remember, your NSWNMA Council backs you in this statewide action. Members cannot be targeted for individual fines, and you do not need your employer’s approval to take part in tomorrow’s strike. If you haven’t already, take a moment to read up on your rights and responsibilities.

We’re ready for the next stage in this fight, and we know you are too. See you tomorrow!

12 November 2024

The NSW government has offered a history-making pay deal to NSW Police. It’s an offer to their workforce that will see a pay boost of between 22-39% over four years.

This is the same government that has told us it has no new money to offer nurses and midwives.

The government is finding the money for other public sector workers, so why can’t the Treasurer and Labor do better and offer us a competitive deal that addresses the pay disparity in NSW?

The Premier says he can’t afford to fix your wages in one year, despite our willingness to discuss a three-year deal. The government can’t afford to ignore your wages inequity whilst communities see services closing.

The fact is: This government is failing to listen and failing to value nurses and midwives.

We need to show this government that we will not stand by and accept this.

Tomorrow, Wednesday 13 November, we will be striking for 24 hours from the start of the morning shift. We will also be rallying on NSW Parliament from 12pm.

Don’t let the expected rain dampen your frustration: we will still be hitting the streets en masse to ensure our voices are heard.

Buses will be available from select locations to transport members to Sydney’s CBD – bus RSVPs close at midday today. We will also have members rallying at some regional sites. Click here for more information.

If you have any questions, please email organising@nswnma.asn.au

Know your rights

If you were unable to join last night’s briefing webinar, or would just like to revisit the conversation, click here to login to Member Central and watch on demand.

You can also click here to read our latest guidance on your rights and responsibilities ahead of tomorrow’s strike action.

Remember to inform your NUM/MUM as soon as possible if you plan to take action.

9 November 2024

Next week, public sector nurses and midwives will strike for 24 hours, beginning from the start of the morning shift on Wednesday, 13 November.

We won’t be silenced, that is why we’re heading back on strike.

We must remind Chris Minns and his government that we aren’t settling for their measly pay offer of 3% per annum for three years. The Treasurer has failed to recognise the link between your pay and the staffing vacancies across NSW: it’s a disgrace. 

Know your rights

Remember, members will not face fines for joining us on Wednesday. We are aware of cases where your employer is attempting to intimidate members from enacting their right to take action. Read our advice on how to address these tactics.

Sydney rally

At midday on Wednesday, 13 November ​​​​we’ll gather in force in Hyde Park North at our biggest rally yet. We’re busing members in from select locations around NSW. NSWNMA members can click here to secure your seat.

Last time, over 10,000 members stood united in action. Let’s show the NSW government we are a force to be reckoned with and we are not going away!

Bring your NSWNMA scrubs, campaign badges, and best signs. Loud voices are not only welcome, but a must. With Parliament in session during the rally, let’s make sure they hear us loud and clear!

Hear what Collette and Liv from Sutherland Branch have to say. They’re counting on your support – we need you on that bus.

Strike ready checklist:

We’re just days away from this major moment in our campaign. We need as many members as possible to join us on Macquarie Street.

Encourage any colleagues who aren’t a member of the NSWNMA to sign up as soon as possible – that way they’ll be protected when taking industrial action.

We look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with you as we fight for the future of our profession and our patients.

8 November 2024

It’s appalling that we are in this situation again, forced to take strike action – but the NSW government continues to treat nurses and midwives as if we’re not worth the investment.

Today, the NSW Industrial Relations Commission made orders for the NSWNMA to cease industrial action. You can find a copy of the orders here.

Industrial action is a valid means for union members to stand up for fair pay and conditions. It’s important for you to know that only the NSWNMA as an organisation can be fined for strike action. Individual members cannot be fined, so we’re encouraging you to attend on Wednesday.

Wednesday’s STRIKE will go ahead. Don’t be dissuaded or threatened by the many tactics used to try and prevent you from taking action.

What you need to know:

• Be prepared for pushback – your employer may attempt to discourage or pressure you to stay on duty, whether through a memo to all staff or a direct call. To help you handle these tactics, read our tips on how to respond here.
• Notify your NUM/MUM – if you plan to participate in the strike, it’s essential to inform your NUM/MUM. Use our prewritten email template here to make this process easier.
• Your participation in the strike does not need your employer’s approval – you decide if you participate, no one else. Be sure to notify your NUM/MUM as soon as possible so they can plan for the day. If there are concerns about safe staffing levels being maintained, advise your NUM to contact their direct supervisor.
• Stand together in solidarity – we must act together, strike together and stand together, just as we have done in the past. It is in our numbers that we have power and protection.
• Know your rights – while the NSWNMA can be fined for not complying with such orders, no individual member can be targeted for fines.
• Join our briefing webinar – we are hosting a webinar on Monday, 11 Nov at 5pm to answer your questions and address any concerns you have about your rights when taking part in the strike – click here to register.

Here is a message from NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish and NSWNMA Assistant Secretary, Michael Whaites.

​​​​​Now, more than ever, your participation in this fight is crucial.

Every member who joins this action amplifies our impact and delivers a powerful message to the government. Their decision to neglect the public healthcare budget isn’t just short-sighted – it jeopardises the future of our healthcare system in NSW and deepens the gender pay gap across the state. Together, we must fight back.

The NSWNMA Council stands firmly with you in this statewide action. We’re ready, prepared, and committed to this fight. Together, we’ll make our voices heard.

7 November 2024

The state government is not willing to put any new money on the table to pay nurses and midwives fairly for the work they do. Not only does it not have a solution to address the interstate pay and gender pay disparities, but it is also actively trying to silence nurses and midwives.

The government now wants to arbitrate in the Industrial Relations Commission and lock in low wages for nurses and midwives for another three years. It is clear the government thinks you’re worth only 3% per annum for three years. Shame on them.

Next week, we are striking for 24 hours, from the start of the morning shift on Wednesday, 13 November.

To coincide with this, we will also be rallying on NSW Parliament from 12pm on Wednesday.

Public sector members from across the state are invited to join us on Macquarie Street to send our strongest message yet: we will not be silenced, and we will not be taken for granted.

This action isn’t taken lightly, but the government has left us no other choice. It cannot continue to underestimate the anger within the nursing and midwifery professions. We are at a critical juncture in this fight, and we need to show we are not going away until they pay us what we’re worth.

Join us at Macquarie Street next Wednesday. Buses will be available from select locations to transport members to Sydney’s CBD. We will also have members rallying at some regional sites that you could join. Click here for more information.

Know your rights

All members need to know their rights when striking. Click here to read our latest guidance and steps to take ahead of Wednesday’s rally.

Remember to inform your NUM/MUM as early as possible if you plan to take action. This will help the NUM/MUM make decisions about what resources will be available during the action. While there’s no specific deadline, we recommend notifying them as soon as you’re able.

Not sure what to say? Use our prewritten email template to notify your NUM/MUM – it’s quick and easy! Simply update the recipient address, insert your shift times and add your name at the bottom. Click here to download.

Thank you for your dedication to this campaign. We hope to see you next Wednesday!

31 October 2024

Earlier this week we returned to the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) to notify the IRC President that talks regarding your pay have now stalled. We do not believe recent negotiations with the NSW government can progress unless the government shifts its position.

Prior to these negotiations we had received in principal agreement on several no-cost claim items, including:

• No changes to a published roster without consultation
• No night shifts prior to annual leave ​​​​
• Improved opportunity to speak with new staff at orientations ​​​​​
• Union information sharing provisions, i.e. workplace noticeboards

Within the four weeks of negotiations with government we have:

• ​​​​​​Secured the right to consecutive days off
• Made good progress on the claims relating to midwifery group practice

However, we have no formal offer from the government on pay parity or other entitlements such as 30% night duty penalties, 100% salary packaging, or increasing sick leave to 20 days.

Previously, the government said 15% in one year was too much, and that they needed more time to fix the crisis. Now it appears that they won’t even try to fix it over three years. The government still has no plan to fix the crisis in our workforce.

Over the past four weeks of negotiations, it has become clear the government is not willing to put any new money on the table to suitably compensate you for the important work you do.

The size of our workforce is too big to expect that this problem can be solved within the existing Health budget, from existing Health dollars. We need new money to be directed into Health to address the size of the inter-state and gender-driven wage disparity.

Visit our campaign page and call your local MP now.

Now is the time to fire up on all fronts, using all tactics to apply pressure to local MPs. The actions you are taking are influencing the discussions on our dispute.

We know this because we are hearing from MPs who have been speaking with members. They are shifting, but we need to do more. The government must be told there is a lot to lose if it chooses to continue down its path of indifference.

Click here to call your local MP and demand they take action to publicly support nurses and midwives in this campaign.

Our website has handy tips for calling your local MP. It includes suggestions on what to say, and how best to get your message across.

Remember to call between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, to ensure you reach your MP’s office during business hours.

Don’t forget to share this tool with your family and friends.

We will have more information on the next steps in the coming days. Thank you for your efforts and commitment to date. Our fight for better pay and conditions continues.

18 October 2024

Our second week of intensive negotiations with the NSW government and the Ministry of Health has now wrapped up.

The latest talks centred around costings provided by the Ministry, and we will return to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) on Monday for our next report back.

We have also received confirmation that the Ministry has today applied in the IRC to have your Award varied to ensure the government’s interim 3% pay increase is actioned. The Ministry has confirmed it will take several weeks for this to be implemented, and members can hopefully expect to see this pay increase delivered by mid-November.

We are at a crucial point in this campaign. We have put the evidence forward, and our own costings have been done. We need your political pressure to move the government. We need as many voices as possible to get behind this fight, because now is the time.

Keep the pressure up! Write to your local MP now

Nurses, midwives, and supporters from across the state are writing to their MP and urging them to publicly support our campaign. If you haven’t already, click here to send a strong message to your MP and urge them to stand with us. It will only take a minute. Encourage your family and friends to do the same.

The NSW crossbench backs nurses and midwives and has already written to the Health Minister, urging Ryan Park to do the right thing and stand by our pay and conditions claim. The seven MPs agree our asks amount to “justified and necessary improvements to help rebuild NSW public health services.”

Will you join our Pollie Watch?

Keeping a watchful eye on the government during these negotiations is vital. That is why nurses and midwives have been sitting in the public gallery during Question Time to remind the government we are not going away.

We will be back next week, and you are invited to put on your union scrubs and/or campaign badges to join us in the gallery!

• Tuesday 22nd October: 12PM – 1:15PM
• Wednesday 23rd October: 11AM – 12.15PM
• Thursday 24th October: 11AM – 12.15PM

If you can make any of the above times and would like to take part in our Pollie Watch, please let us know by emailing organising@nswnma.asn.au

Separating fact from fiction

We know the government has played fast and loose with some of the details regarding our campaign. To help clear up some of the common misconceptions, we have developed a simple Fact vs Fiction guide. Please take a moment to check it out.

Please continue having conversations within your community and ensure they know the reality of how stretched nurses and midwives are. Remember, a well-informed public is key to maintaining pressure.

11 October 2024

This week we met twice with the Ministry of Health and staff from the offices of the Treasurer, Health Minister, and Industrial Relations Minister, to progress your pay and conditions negotiations.

These initial discussions mark the start of four weeks of intensive negotiations with the state government and Ministry of Health. They have been productive, and we await further data and costings from the Ministry when talks resume next week. We will provide a report back to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission on Monday, and update you as these discussions progress further.

To help us at the negotiation table, we need you to keep taking action by creating political pressure through community actions. Let’s show state MPs how much the community supports nurses and midwives!

Five actions we need every member to do:

1. Click here to email your state MP and ask them to publicly support nurses and midwives
2. Ask five of your family or friends to also support you by emailing their state MP
3. Ensure you and your colleagues in your ward or unit have emailed their state MP
4. Hand out flyers within your local area, and
5. Download our community poster and display it within your workplace, at supportive local businesses or in your window at home

In doubt about what you can and cannot do with the flyers? Click here to read our simple tips.

With the community’s support, we can fight to win a better future for public health in our state.

4 October 2024

Earlier today we returned to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) to progress the framework for our pay negotiations with the state government and the Ministry of Health.

We can now confirm these intensive talks will begin next Tuesday, 8 October, with a second meeting scheduled for Thursday, 10 October.

We will report back to the IRC on Monday, 14 October, with further meetings to follow throughout the month. We have also received confirmation that in addition to the Ministry of Health representatives, senior staff representing the Treasurer, Health Minister, and Industrial Relations Minister will all be in attendance.

This is a positive sign that the government wants to resolve your pay dispute.

The IRC President has made it clear he expects genuine negotiations to take place, and he will be keeping a close eye on these talks. We echo this sentiment, and we are calling on the state government and the Ministry to show that they truly value your work. This can be done by making a genuine pay offer that addresses the interstate and gender-driven pay disparity that has devastated nursing and midwifery ranks in this state.

We are awaiting advice as to when your interim 3% wage increase will be paid, and we will keep members up to date when NSW Health provides us with further information.

Remember, this payment does not prejudice our ability to negotiate further on your pay. We know our public sector nurses and midwives deserve more than what the government has put forward to date, and we will be making sure this message is heard loud and clear at the negotiating table.

Your action is still key

Now is the time to keep our momentum up. The government is willing to talk pay because our recent industrial action forced them to listen.

We must continue to raise awareness within the community to apply political pressure. Please wear your campaign badges, don your Value Us bandanas, and roll out your union scrubs. Branches are encouraged to hold own-time rallies and street stalls. We also need as many members as possible talking with their state MP.

Every conversation is invaluable and will help us achieve a better pay and conditions offer. The public is on our side, and it is time we reminded the government of this.

Be sure to visit our campaign website where you will find an array of resources to support your own efforts – including community flyers and posters, tip sheets, and research to support our fight.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated as this fight progresses, thank you for your actions and keep inviting more and more of your colleagues to join in the action.

30 September 2024

26 September 2024

On Tuesday more than 10,000 public sector nurses and midwives across the state hit the streets to protest the government’s pay offer.

We were loud and proud, and these efforts have forced the government to engage with us. We are pleased to confirm that following your efforts and the strike, the Health Minister has confirmed a willingness to enter into negotiations in order to resolve the impasse.

We now have a meeting with Premier Chris Minns today, where we will continue to champion your justified ask for a better pay deal.

Click below to see all the highlights from our 24-hour strike.

Members showed great courage in taking to the streets this week. We know nurses and midwives have withstood a significant amount of pressure from management, and we recognise that some had no choice but to stay behind to maintain essential life-preserving care. Our strike is not possible without this selfless work. Industrial action of this magnitude is never taken lightly, but your action has been felt by government.

On Tuesday evening we spoke with public sector delegates to map out the next steps in this campaign. Delegates are enthusiastic to canvas the opinion of branches, and we will be doing this in the coming days.

This Friday at 3pm, we will be hosting an urgent campaign meeting to discuss our meetings with the Premier and the Minister for Health, and the recommendations made by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC).

Branch meetings will occur directly after the urgent campaign update or as soon as possible to vote on these recommendations. Branches have until 5pm Saturday to vote. This will inform our next step when the NSWNMA returns to the IRC next Monday, 30 September.

23 September 2024

24HR STRIKE ON 24 SEPT

Tomorrow, we strike for 24 hours to send a strong message to the NSW government – nurses and midwives deserve 15%!

To help answer some of the most frequent questions we are hearing, and clear up any misinformation about tomorrow’s strike, here are all the points you need to know:

You cannot be fined for taking part in this strike action.

The NSW Industrial Relations Commission extended its orders on the NSWNMA to stop industrial action through to September 30. Despite this, your NSWNMA Council is backing nurses and midwives in taking strike action for 24 hours tomorrow, from the start of morning shift.

Though the NSWNMA can be fined for this industrial action, no individual nurse or midwife can face fines for taking strike action. The Ministry of Health, through your local managers, may attempt to influence members not to strike.

Click below to hear a message from your NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish.

The Association will work with your branch and managers to ensure life preserving staffing is maintained.

Only you can make the decision whether to participate in the strike. Your manager cannot force you to stay behind and work. If the Association agrees that more staff are needed to maintain life preserving levels, we will work with your local branch to resolve this.

This means there may be a request for some members to return to work. This request will come from the Association, and will be a last resort where it is clear that life-preserving staffing cannot be provided from the staff available.

Your employer may use a range of techniques to try to convince you to not participate or to return to work, including threats of disciplinary action. This is why sticking together is so important. 

The Ministry of Health says “patient safety should not be compromised during this industrial action”. We agree, which is why minimal, life-preserving staffing will be maintained in all public hospitals and health services during this strike. This is critical, as we need to ensure we are providing safe care, and also maintaining crucial community support for our campaign.

This is an important time in this campaign. We need our members to stand strong together to make sure the government hears us. Join us tomorrow.

21 September 2024

Have other questions?

Check out this handy tip and FAQ sheet to help answer all of your questions, including what to do when preparing to take strike action.

Together, we’ll prove to the state government that we won’t be pushed aside.

30 August 2024

A massive shout out to all the nurses and midwives who joined the stop work actions this week! Almost 100 public sector branches held short strikes across the state, demanding fair pay and better conditions.

NSWNMA member’s collective action is making a real impact on the Minns government. Our message has reached the community, resonating through television, newspapers, and radio, with the NSWNMA featuring in the media almost 500 times over the past five days!

Take a look at this video below to see member’s strength in numbers.

Why are we demanding fair pay?

This week, branches taking action have said:

“Nurses and midwives call on the government to come to the table and make a serious offer that recognises the value of nurses and midwives, and the need pay us wages that attracts and retains staff in public health system.”

We will not back down.

We should not be in a position where we are considering increasing industrial action, but a failure by the Minns government to put a better offer on the table leaves us no option.

The NSW government may be refusing to value us right now, but together we’ll demonstrate the unstoppable force of our professions. Let’s keep building our strength, and make our voices impossible to ignore.

23 August 2024

The NSWNMA is escalating its fight to demand a 15% pay increase, as part of PHS member’s 2024 Award claim!

Starting Monday, 26 August, branch members across the state will be stepping up actions with one-hour stop work meetings and rallies.

Your participation in these actions will be essential to amplify our collective voice. Together, we need to stand strong and hold the NSW government accountable for not paying nurses and midwives fairly. Click here to see if your branch or a nearby branch is taking action.

Why are we escalating?

The NSW government refuses to commit to a 15% pay rise. They claim they have met our safe staffing demand, so they can’t address pay. Securing ratios was a win for community safety, but shouldn’t come at the expense of nurses and midwives.

The state government said they would consider our claim if we found the savings, which we did.

Why 1 hour stop work meetings?

We are starting stop work actions in short bursts to gauge how ready members are to take larger, escalating actions. We need to ensure every member across NSW is ready and willing to STAND UP for fair pay.

During this 1 hour stop work, your branch will make key decisions on the next steps in this campaign.

Have any questions about this type of industrial action?

Members can read this handy fact sheet which summarises what stop work action involves and your rights. Not a member? Click here to sign up so you are protected when taking industrial action.

Can’t attend? You can still make a powerful impact on our campaign!

Rally your friends, family, favourite barista, or locals on the street to email the NSW Treasurer. It’s easy—just have them fill out this quick form, which only takes about 2 minutes.

You can also spread the word by printing and posting these posters in patient areas at your workplace or around your community—like coffee shop windows or gym noticeboards.

The NSW government is refusing to value us. Let’s show them what happens when they don’t.

16 August 2024

The NSWNMA and your Log of Claims Committee have held regular talks with the Ministry of Health to progress your 2024 Award claim. Despite 10 rounds of negotiations, neither the Ministry nor the state government have made a genuine pay and conditions offer that reflects the contribution you and your colleagues make to public health in New South Wales.

Earlier this week, at a scheduled hearing before the Industrial Relations Commission, all parties provided an update on where negotiations currently stand. Members also made sure their voices were heard outside the Commission.

Click below to see all the action.

The next report back to the Commission is due in mid-September, and we will keep members up to date as this progresses.

The Ministry of Health is dragging its feet

We are disappointed the Ministry and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey continue to stonewall your justified ask of a one-year, 15% pay increase.

It is also disappointing to now see the Ministry failing to progress our ask for rostered days off to be consecutive (unless otherwise agreed). The Ministry should be working with us to create a suitable work/life balance, and manage fatigue in the public health system.

Hardworking nurses and midwives, like you, battle day in and day out to keep our public health system afloat. It’s just not good enough.

Help spread the word – download our community flyer now!

We need to share our message far and wide, and the politicians need to hear our voice. Click here to download our community flyer, and visit Member Central to check out our handy guide on what you can and cannot do to help spread the word.

Ratios rollout continues, but the government must pick up the pace. Read about it here.

2 August 2024

Following our impassioned own-time rallies over the past week, the NSWNMA has continued talks with the Ministry of Health regarding  PHS member’s  2024 Log of Claims.

Member’s actions are having an impact, but we know more needs to be done to continue to shift the Ministry. We have achieved progress on your no-cost claims, and discussions have begun on our Midwifery Group Practice claim.

This week’s negotiations mark the ninth round of talks with the Ministry, and though the PHS Log of Claims Committee continues to strongly advocate on member’s behalf, there is no progress on the most important issues, like the 15% pay claim, as the Ministry has no authority to negotiate beyond 3%.

Click here to tell NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey to value nurses and midwives.

This is not good enough, so it is time to continue ramping up the pressure.

Together we are influential

Remember, it is so important we have every nurse and midwife lending their voice to this campaign. We have calculated the numbers, and it is time we reminded NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey of this.

Speak with your family and friends, engage your colleagues and encourage them all to get involved. Just a handful of conversations can have an incredible impact. Urge those around you to tell the NSW Treasurer he must value the work you do.

Keep raising our voices!

Across the state members are speaking up and clearly articulating why the NSW government cannot afford to continue undervaluing nurses and midwives.

Speaking to NBN News, Armidale Community Health & Hospital Branch President Emma Ratajczyk outlines the raft of challenges facing nurses and midwives.

We’ll keep you updated on the next steps of this campaign. Keep spreading the word in your community. This is essential to maintaining momentum in this fight.

26 July 2024

This week, hundreds of nurses and midwives across the state held own-time rallies to ramp up the fight for fair pay and proper recognition of the work you do.

19 July 2024

In recent weeks the NSWNMA has held talks with the Ministry of Health regarding PHS member’s 2024 Award claim.

28 June 2024

Yesterday the NSWNMA held its fourth round of talks with the Ministry of Health to progress PHS members’ 2024 Log of Claims. Members of of the PHS Log of Claims Committee were on hand once again to continue making a strong case for our fair, justifiable ask of a one-year 15% pay increase.

Championing our evidence-based ask

Earlier this week we shared our Rapid Business Case, which was developed in conjunction with Deloitte Financial Advisory. What it shows is the government can afford to invest in the public sector nursing and midwifery workforce after a decade of neglect.

We now await direct talks with the Health Minister and his ministry representatives to examine this further.

Willingness to work together

The discussions also centred around some of our no-cost claims, including consecutive days off and consultation on roster changes. Despite significant discussion on these claims, we are yet to reach any agreement with the Ministry of Health.

Click below to hear an update from Muswellbrook Branch Delegate and Log of Claims Committee member, Peggy Smith.

24 June 2024

Another compelling evidence-based report has been presented to the Ministry of Health by the PHS Log of Claims Committee in our campaign for a 15% pay rise and improved conditions.

20 June 2024

Public health system Log of Claims Committee members, alongside NSWNMA staff, have met for the third time with the Ministry of Health to push forward the 2024 Log of Claims that the NSWNMA served in May.

Off the back of this week’s state budget, the NSWNMA’s negotiation team made it clear that nurses and midwives were left behind.

Today, the negotiation team outlined the claim details, backed by personal stories from Log of Claims Committee members. They also outlined our evidence to show the 15% pay claim is affordable. Our detailed and solutions-focused report will be provided to the Ministry and members early next week.

Click below to hear an update from Nepean Blue Mountains Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Branch Secretary and Log of Claims Committee member, Nick Tribbia​​​​.

13 June 2024

This afternoon our second round of Award claim negotiations occurred with the Ministry of Health.

Members of the PHS Log of Claims Committee were on hand to make a strong case for a one-year 15% pay increase.

Click below to hear an update from Wagga Wagga Branch President and Log of Claims Committee member, Karen Hart.

We are making progress in ensuring NSWNMA member’s voices are heard, but what is clear is we still have a fight ahead of us to secure the improvements to pay and conditions that nurses and midwives deserve.

“What do we want? 15%! When do we want it? Now!”

Our campaign is ramping up, across the past two days, around 60 LHD representatives from across the state came together in Sydney for training and to formally launch our campaign efforts.

As talks with the Ministry took place this afternoon, NSWNMA members took our message to the streets outside the Ministry of Health. We raised our voices to ensure our ask of the government is crystal clear.

Click below to see the highlights of today’s rally outside the Ministry of Health.

6 June 2024

This afternoon, the NSWNMA held its first 2024 Award claim negotiations with the Ministry of Health, where members of the PHS Log of Claims Committee clearly expressed member’s demands. The Ministry was not in a position to improve the insulting offer of 10.5% over three years.

Your Award claim seeks a one-year 15% pay increase, and we believe this is necessary in the current economic climate.

A justified Award claim

To help inform our position, and ensure our campaign is grounded in strong economic evidence, the NSWNMA sought expert industrial relations and labour market advice from the University of Sydney’s Professor John Buchanan, alongside Dr Troy Henderson, and Associate Professor Jo-An Occhipinti.

Their report, Escaping NSW Treasury’s Curse, examines the financial factors at play. It shows that our ask of 15% is entirely reasonable and justifiable. The NSWNMA took the Ministry through the report, reinforcing that we have the evidence to justify our claim.

Escaping NSW Treasury’s Curse demonstrates the devastating impact of the former government’s public sector wages cap, the ongoing effects of inflation, and how our state lags others in seriously recognising the contributions of nurses and midwives.

The wages of nurses and midwives have fallen by more than 10% in real terms over the last four years. In fact, the buying power of their wages is at 2007 levels. Now is the time for Treasurer Daniel Mookhey to take steps to make this right!

The NSWNMA Council will meet tomorrow to consider our next steps.

Hear from Assistant General Secretary, Michael Whaites, Muswellbrook District Hospital Branch Delegate, Peggy Smith, and South East Regional Hospital Branch President, Diane Lang below.

NSW v QLD: Battle brews for nurses and midwives

Members from the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) donned their blue scrubs in a show of solidarity with the Sky Blues team. Off the field, members showcased the female-dominated workforce’s own big battle, in their fight for a 15% pay rise this year.

Check out our highlight video below.

31 May 2024

Earlier this month we served public health system member’s 2024 Award claim on the Ministry of Health, and we want to update you on how this is progressing.

On 19 May, the state government wrote to all public sector unions, including the NSWNMA, indicating a baseline position of a blanket 4% public sector pay offer (or 10.5% over three years).

On Wednesday, the NSWNMA received a letter of offer from the government, confirming the above pay proposal as a formal offer. This is well below our Award claim ask of 15% over one year (plus Super), and we are still yet to have our first negotiation meeting.

The government’s offer is just not good enough. However, in line with our democratic processes, the offer will be put to your NSWNMA Council.

Next steps:

• 6 June: First negotiation meeting to be held
• 6 June: Spreading our message at NRLW State of Origin
• 7 June: Council meets to review government’s offer  and make recommendations to branches.
• 12-13 June: Member leaders from across NSW gather for training and campaign launch
• 17-28 June: Branches will be invited to meet and consider Council’s recommendations, including any possible industrial action.

Members of the PHS Log of Claims Committee will be present on 6 June at our first official negotiations with the Ministry. The Committee will be there to reinforce our member’s demands.  

Later that day, members from the Hunter and Central Coast will be at the NRLW State of Origin in Newcastle to spread the word about our fight! Branches in all other Local Health Districts are invited to hold a watch party – more information will be provided to members in the coming days. 

The claim we have put to the Ministry is justified and necessary. We know nurses and midwives deserve more in 2024, and we’re committed to fighting for the improvements to pay and conditions that our members deserve.

21 May 2024

The Association is eagerly awaiting the commencement of negotiations with the Ministry of Health regarding the 2024 Award claim we served earlier this month. The claim includes a pay ask of 15% over one year (plus Super).

Last Sunday evening, the state government wrote to public service unions, including the Association, indicating its baseline position of a blanket 4% public sector pay offer (or 10.5% over three years).

We must stress that this proposal has not been made in response to our 2024 pay claim, nor is it a formal offer to the Association.

What this recent media coverage shows is that less than a month out from our state’s budget, the NSW government has failed to read the room. Stumbling at the first hurdle is not good enough when our state’s health system is at stake.

The following motion was overwhelmingly passed at our Committee of Delegates (COD) meeting today:

This COD deems the government position on pay of 19 May 2024 as a media announcement, not a genuine offer on pay for the NSWNMA in response to our claim. Our members look forward to negotiations commencing between NSWNMA and the MoH, and we will continue to fight for our claim including a 15% pay rise over 1 year.

In the past year we’ve seen other public sector workers, including paramedics and teachers, receive substantial pay increases. It is time the state government turned its full attention to nurses and midwives who have already experienced more than a decade of neglect under previous Liberal governments.

Now is our time. NSW nurses and midwives deserve more in 2024.

17 May 2024 

On 17 May 2024, NSWNMA representatives met with the Ministry of Health to set out the bargaining timetable and processes for discussing your 2024 Award claim.

Your elected Log of Claims Committee members will be taking part in these negotiations when they commence.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the progress of these negotiations.

In the meantime, it is important that we keep sending our message to the NSW Treasurer: nurses and midwives deserve more in 2024.

10 May 2024

The Association served the 2024 Award claim on the Ministry of Health on Friday 10 May 2024, seeking that negotiations commence.

The draft claim was overwhelmingly endorsed by public sector branches last month. The Association is committed to fighting for the improvements to pay and conditions that members deserve, and we’re prepared for the robust conversations with government that lie ahead.

At the heart of our claim is a one year, 15% increase in pay, plus superannuation, from 1 July.

We’re also fighting for additional improvements, including:

• a 30% penalty rate for night shifts,
• increasing sick leave to 20 days,
• 100% salary packaging,
• an increase for midwives working in midwifery group practice,
• better work-life balance with consecutive rostered days off, and no changes to published rosters unless consulted.

The Association has also sought further funding for nurse-to-patient ratios to be rolled out in every ward and unit in every public hospital, across the five agreed clinical areas of emergency departments, intensive care units, medical/surgical and mental health wards, maternity and multi-purpose services, ensuring the government delivers its Safe Staffing policy in full.  We’ve sought further funding to convert AiN positions to being supernumerary too

The NSWNMA Elected Officers are committed to fighting for this claim, standing side-by-side with members to ensure the government hears our message loud and clear: NSW nurses and midwives deserve more in 2024.