Nurses and midwives union at loggerheads with government in wage negotiations
An announcement from the nurses and midwives union is planned on Monday, as months-long negotiations over pay and conditions continue.
A previous offer from the government included an 11 per cent wage increase over three years, with provisions for more if inflation was higher than forecast. Half the increase would have come in 2027.
A series of proposed condition changes are proving sticking points in the ongoing negotiations, as is a pre-election commitment from the LNP to deliver “nation-leading” wages.
Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union secretary Sarah Beaman.Credit: Cameron Atfield
The government says its previous offer fulfilled this promise, while the union argues more than half its members would have been worse off than in Victoria.
A representative for the Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union did not reveal what measures would be announced on Monday.
“Falling behind looks like reduced access to free care where you live,” QNMU secretary Sarah Beaman said in a statement.
“It looks like dangerous understaffing, longer wait times and increased adverse patient outcomes. As fierce advocates for our patients and aged care residents, we will not let this happen.
“We are skilled, hard-working and here for Queensland 24/7. We will not be silenced. And we will not cave in on patient safety or the future of free care in Queensland.”
During the negotiations, union members have been undertaking “stage one protected industrial action”, where they can campaign and wear union insignia, but no strikes have been planned.
Health minister Tim Nicholls put out his own statement on Friday night.
“In addition to this nation-leading offer, the Crisafulli government’s budget is delivering a record investment in Queensland’s health system,” it said in part.
“We remain at the table and steadfast in our commitment to deliver a nation-leading pay deal for nurses and midwives in recognition of their important contribution to our state’s health system.”
On Friday, Department of Education director-general Sharon Schimming, released a revised offer for teachers in their sector’s wage negotiations.
It did not increase the 8 per cent wage increase over three years previously proposed, but added a handful of additional measures including a lump sum payment for new teachers and an additional pupil-free day.
A representative for the Queensland Teachers’ Union said it wasn’t being considered.
“We’re optimistic a deal can be reached, but that pay offer is being rejected,” they said.
“We’re operating in good faith.”