UPDATE: Queensland nurses and midwives are set to accept a transformative new wage deal with the Crisafulli government, marking a significant breakthrough after months of intense negotiations and potential strike actions. This agreement, which includes an 11% wage increase over three years, is being hailed as the largest pay rise in over a decade.
The Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union (QNMU) announced the improved offer to its members on Thursday evening, emphasizing that this deal will result in nation-leading pay. The proposed agreement guarantees a 3% pay rise starting from April 2023, followed by 2.5% annual increases for the next two years, culminating in another 3% increase in December 2027.
This proposed wage structure is set to benefit nearly a quarter of the state’s nurses and midwives, with provisions for additional raises if inflation exceeds forecasts. The union’s communication to members states, “Together, we’ve shifted the government significantly since their first offer in May,” highlighting the hard-fought improvements achieved after over 150 hours of bargaining and 13 conciliation sessions with the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.
The deal also includes back pay and raises overtime pay to nation-leading levels for all shift workers. Additionally, a new eighth pay point will be introduced for the Nurse Grade 5 classification, enabling workers to progress to higher pay grades, thereby enhancing their earning potential.
The negotiations have been ongoing since the beginning of the year, with industrial action commencing in June. Nurses and midwives escalated their campaign in July, engaging in actions such as refusing overtime without prior notice and performing essential tasks like logging patient details and emptying bins. The government’s intervention in August led to a temporary pause in industrial action, but union leaders warned that they are prepared to escalate to Stage 3 strike action if satisfactory outcomes are not achieved.
As the QNMU prepares to finalize this deal, the impact on healthcare services across Queensland could be profound. Approximately 48,000 unionized workers are standing by for the final vote on the agreement, which promises substantial improvements in both pay and working conditions.
The urgency of this development cannot be overstated; it represents a critical moment for healthcare workers advocating for fair compensation. Watch for updates on the final acceptance of this agreement, as it could reshape the landscape for healthcare employment in Queensland for years to come.
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