Thousands of public sector nurses and midwives across New South Wales stopped work for one hour this week, as they ramp up their fight for a 15% pay increase.
NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) members from 100 hospitals and health facilities statewide walked off the job to demand respect from the government and call on the Treasurer to pay nurses and midwives what they deserve.
NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish, said after more than ten negotiation meetings with the state government, there’d been no progress on the union’s pay claim.
“We have done everything that has been asked of this union and more, and despite all of that, nothing has shifted,” said Ms Candish.
“The state government needs to know we are serious and we are fed up. Wages for the state’s largest female workforce have been suppressed for more than a decade. Labor must fix this gender inequity, and show that it respects our nurses and midwives and the work they do caring for our communities.
“The government is choosing to pay nurses and midwives low wages. In real terms, their wages are sitting at 2008 levels, while dealing with 2024 costs. Entry level nurses in NSW are now the lowest paid in the country.
“If the state government wants to rebuild the nursing and midwifery workforce, and is serious about retaining its hardworking and dedicated staff, it must step up and pay nurses and midwives a wage that reflects their incredible contribution.
“The government needs to stop exploiting the generosity and goodwill of nurses and midwives.
“It’s time Premier Chris Minns and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey recognised the value and worth of nurses and midwives.”
Dozens of metropolitan and regional NSWNMA branches held public rallies and closed meetings as part of their stop work actions.
