The NSWNMA is campaigning for a 15 per cent pay rise, more funding for nurse-to-patient ratios and better working conditions in 2024.
The NSWNMA is calling on the state government to invest in nurses and midwives, to rebuild the public health workforce after years of wage suppression under previous governments.
A one-year 15 per cent increase from 1 July 2024 is a key part of the union’s 2024 log of claims for the Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (state) Award, which expires on 30 June.
The NSWNMA’s 15 per cent claim is “ambitious but reasonable” said NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary Michael Whaites.
It is a claim that members are prepared to “really fight for”, he said.
Michael said unity, commitment and a disciplined campaign “will put us in the best possible position to achieve our claims”.
“This is a claim that calls for the government to invest in nurses and midwives and invest in ratios.
“This is a claim that is aimed at assisting the government to recruit and retain the workforce we need to implement ratios.”
Nurses and most other public sector workers received a one-year 4 per cent pay increase in 2023, after the government lifted the previous Coalition government’s 2.5 per cent annual wage cap introduced in 2011.
The 2024 log of claims was strongly endorsed by a vote of NSWNMA branches following months of consultation, more than 30 branch resolutions, and intense discussion and decision making by the Log of Claims Committee.
OFFER ON TABLE IS NOT ENOUGH
Michael said the committee decided on 15 per cent after hearing from industrial relations expert Professor John Buchanan, and after looking at inflation compared to public sector pay rises since the wages cap was introduced in 2011.
“We also looked at productivity across the general economy for the same period. The committee felt, given the data, that 15 per cent is a claim that can be justified in the Industrial Relations Commission.
“Fifteen per cent would also make public sector pay competitive with Queensland, and return NSW nurses to being among the top paid in Australia.
“We must ensure nurses and midwives are compensated at a level that is competitive with other states.”
Michael said the pay claim takes into account a decade of wage suppression by previous governments, “and we’ll be sure to remind them of this every step of the way”.
“Nurses and midwives’ wages in NSW have been eroded over time.
“This is a necessary pay rise that addresses inflation and considers the productivity gains we’ve missed out on. It will lead to less overtime, reduced staff turnover, and ensure rosters are filled.
“This will attract more people into the professions, as well as retain our experienced and skilled nurses and midwives, so we don’t continue to lose them across the border or see them leave the industry early.”
During a media interview, Michael said nurses and midwives “need a much higher pay rise than is currently on the table”.
He was referring to the NSW Government’s offer of a 10.5 per cent pay rise over three years – and a
$1,000 top-up if inflation exceeds 4.5 per cent – to all public sector workers.
That would include nurses and other healthcare employees, cleaners, firefighters, police and prison officers.
The NSWNMA log of claims also seeks 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.
Claims snapshot
The NSWNMA’s 2024 pay and conditions claim at a glance:
- A 15 per cent pay increase, plus superannuation, from 1 July 2024
- 30 per cent night-duty shift penalty
- 100 per cent salary packaging
- 20 days per year sick leave
- Improvements to Continuing Education Allowance for CNE/CMEs
- Meal allowance for Patient Transport Service
- Increase to car allowance and loading for Midwifery Group Practice
- All rostered days off to be consecutive, unless otherwise agreed
- No night duty before starting a day of annual leave, unless otherwise agreed
- Published rosters not to be changed without prior consultation with the affected staff member
- Access to paid union meetings and other improvements to existing provisions regarding union activities.
15% needed to help close gender pay gap
A 15 per cent pay increase is justified and necessary in the current economic climate. The NSWNMA combed through strong economic evidence from industrial relations and economics experts to reach a pay claim that is reasonable and achievable, said NSWNMA General Secretary Shaye Candish.
“The rate of pay for this female-dominated workforce
is failing to keep pace with male-dominated professions,” she said.
“If we’re serious about closing the gender pay gap, if we’re serious about providing women with economic security, then raising the pay of nurses and midwives will go a long way to achieving those aims.
“Nurses and midwives are feeling the cost-of-living pinch. “They’re struggling to find affordable and secure housing in reasonable proximity to their workplaces, and they’re being slugged parking fees at many public hospitals. “Our community recognises the professionalism and incredible worth of nurses and midwives.
“It is time their pay reflects and respects their contribution to people’s lives and the economy.”
At a press conference alongside Health Minister Ryan Park to announce recruitment had commenced for the introduction of ratios, NSWNMA General Secretary Shaye Candish said the union would work constructively with the government, but was serious about boosting pay to match that of nurses in other states.
“We certainly will not rule out any action – our members are incredibly serious,” she said.