Newcastle Endoscopy Centre nurses have formed their first-ever branch of the NSWNMA.

Anger over low pay and outdated conditions under a lingering 2013 agreement was the catalyst for the move.    

Led by Secretary Sally Todd and President Fleur De La Haye, the branch has mobilised previously inactive Association members, initiated bargaining with Cura, the centre’s owner, and submitted a log of claims.   

Staff morale and cohesion have improved, with a focus on better pay, back pay, safer staffing and the current high volume of non-nursing duties.  

Fleur said inadequate wage increases and poor staffing were the main causes of dissatisfaction.   

A 1.5% pay rise in January 2025 felt like “a kick in the teeth” that led to her and Sally Todd deciding to join the NSWNMA.  

“We had lots of chats about pay and conditions, and decided, let’s do this. We joined the Association, rallied the existing members and recruited new members.  

Their initial contact with the NSWNMA led to a workplace visit by an Association organiser and the formation of a branch in November 2025.  

The centre currently employs 34 nurses and Fleur said she was surprised to discover that many had already joined the NSWNMA. About two-thirds of the nursing staff are now members. 

“A lot of members were inactive, possibly due to passivity and management assurances that negotiations were underway,” she said. 

One of their first tasks was to encourage members to nominate for executive positions at the recent branch general meeting.  

“We explained to people that if we want this branch to go forward, we need these positions filled.”  

Fleur said the meeting focused on the need for a pay and staffing campaign.  

Staff have been left on a substandard 2013 “Greenfields” enterprise agreement far beyond its typical 12-month life, enabling the employer to hold wages well below local market rates. 

Fleur said that as of 1 March 2026, Year 8 RNs at a nearby Ramsay hospital were paid $56.52/hour while Newcastle Endoscopy Centre Year 8 RNs receive $49.59/hour.  

Newcastle Endoscopy Centre uses one procedure nurse per room, compared to the standard practice of two procedure nurses elsewhere.   

Members are also seeking a reduction in the current high volume of non-nursing duties. “We are nurses – not cleaners or tea ladies,” Fleur said.  

She said Cura had not made a move to substantially improve pay and staffing levels, but that they now have the opportunity in bargaining to invest in nurses’ pay and safe staffing. 

“From a short-term profit perspective, it is advantageous to have a theatre operate with one nurse, and a low paid one at that.   

“However, we believe that nurses are the business. Invest in us, and the benefits flow to the business in so many ways.”  

The formation of a NSWNMA branch has given the nurses on-the-ground leverage and a communication structure, converting frustration into coordinated bargaining power and launching enterprise negotiations with a clear log of claims.   

“Now that we have a branch, there is a lot more passion for the cause among the nursing staff.” she said.   

“We know that our situation is wrong, and we’re going to make it right.   

NSWNMA officers and branch executive members have held an introductory meeting with Cura representatives with further bargaining meetings planned.