Nurses and midwives have staged a rally at Nepean Hospital as they ramp up their calls for better pay.
Public sector nurses and midwives held the own-time rally this afternoon.
The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) members are demanding a one-year 15 per cent pay lifeline to “fix the staffing crisis in the public health system”, and to stop nurses and midwives leaving the industry or moving interstate for better pay and conditions.
“To attract and retain experienced nurses and midwives, NSWNMA members are demanding the NSW Government pay wages that reflect their vital work, and also respect and value the state’s largest female-dominated professions,” the NSWNMA said in a statement.
“Nurses and midwives have been underpaid and undervalued by successive Coalition state governments for more than a decade, and their wages are sitting at 2008 levels in real terms. Whilst male dominated jobs have seen significant pay increases, our most trusted professions are falling behind.
“There is clear evidence that the low pay is driving shortages of nurses and midwives across the state and it is time that the government acted to stem the losses.”
The State Government is offering a 10.5 per cent pay increase over three years.
“I have to be honest, 15 per cent in a single year is more than we can afford right now,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said in response to the demands.
No clinical services were disrupted during today’s protest.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.