The NSWNMA will argue a Special Case in the Industrial Relations Commission that will include a 35 per cent pay increase over three years.

The NSW Government has let nurses and midwives down by forcing its public sector pay claim into the courts, says NSWNMA General Secretary Shaye Candish.

Shaye says this leaves the NSWNMA with no choice but to respond to the government’s application of 3 per cent per annum over three years with a Special Case in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC).

“Our fight will continue on two fronts: campaigning in the community through a political campaign and responding to the government’s application in the IRC, she said.

“A negotiated outcome outside the IRC is still an option. Labor can put forward a decent offer at any stage.”

A full bench of the IRC will weigh up the arguments put forward by the government and the NSWNMA and then decide what your wages will look like.

The NSWNMA will be arguing for a rise of 35 per cent per year over three years.

Shaye Candish says we have reached this point because of the government’s recalcitrance.

“This is the result of the appalling failure of the government to negotiate with nurses and midwives,” she said.

“Every step of the way we have negotiated in good faith. This government has let nurses and midwives down, and we plan to make them accountable.

“We will put forward the biggest case ever run in our state’s history.”

The NSWNMA will argue for a pay rise, over multiple years, that recognises:

• two decades of intensifying workloads which nurses and midwives have not been compensated for
• evidence regarding the recruitment and retention challenges the public health system is experiencing
• the productivity gains missed out on for over a decade
• a correction of the gender-based undervaluing of nursing and midwifery in NSW.

We must engage the community

Going to the IRC with a counter claim means we will not be able to take industrial action in support of our claim. If we take industrial action the IRC will not hear our case.

Shaye Candish says it is vital we maintain the momentum of our campaign in a different way.

“This is where our political and community campaigning is crucial. We must maximise the pressure on this government.

“The support of the community has always been pivotal in our past campaigns and so it will be this time. Recent polls show that we have overwhelming support from the public for our wage claim (see box).

“We need all state MPs to commit to backing our fight for additional funding for health and to support our campaign for a fair wage increase that will enable the recruitment and retention of staff necessary to roll out ratios in NSW.

“I urge members to contact your MP and encourage your family, friends and colleagues to do the same. We need MPs hearing from nurses, midwives and their allies all day, every day!

“It is still possible for this Labor government to come back to the negotiating table and reach a fair outcome outside the IRC. The government can end this lengthy legal exercise at any point.”