NSWNMA member at POWP, Tatiana Parra, said many nurses and midwives initially were worried about going on strike.

“People were asking what the repercussions were going to be; would we lose our jobs and questions like that,” said Tatiana, a theatre nurse.

“With the help of our NSWNMA officials we tried to reassure people their jobs were secure because we have a right to take protected strike action and make our voices heard.

“I think our action in standing up for each other has empowered other nurses who were reluctant to join the strike.

“People will be more confident when we decide to strike again.  Hopefully Healthscope will listen to our message and make a reasonable offer.”

Tatiana said wages paid to Healthscope nurses in NSW had not kept pace with rising prices and lagged behind Healthscope wages in other states.

“I’m a single mum with three kids and I feel I need to take action for their future well-being,” she said.

“The cost of living is ridiculous and the gap between prices and wages is growing.

“I know the reality of financial hardship, and we can’t allow Healthscope to get away with paying sub-standard wages.”ν