URGENT UPDATE: Nurses at the John Fawkner Private Hospital in Coburg will strike for nearly four hours on October 26, 2023, as tensions rise over the financial turmoil of their employer, Healthscope. The industrial action, set to take place from 12:45 PM to 4:15 PM, marks a historic first for Healthscope nurses and highlights their growing frustration as the company struggles under a staggering $1.6 billion debt.
The protest coincides with a rally in Parkville, where hundreds of nurses from various Healthscope facilities are expected to join forces in solidarity against the company’s financial mismanagement. This strike comes amidst ongoing anxiety among hospital staff, who fear for their jobs and financial stability as Healthscope seeks a buyer to bail it out.
Registered nurse ‘Anne’, who has dedicated nearly a decade to John Fawkner, expressed the deepening concern among her colleagues. “We didn’t create this debt, so why is our benefit going to be used to fix it?” she questioned, highlighting the emotional toll this crisis has taken on the nursing staff.
With approximately 300 nurses employed at the facility and about 85% union membership, the implications of the strike are significant. The trigger for this action is a proposed restructuring of Healthscope into a not-for-profit entity, which workers believe would lead to substantial pay cuts. While the not-for-profit model seems appealing, the proposed changes would require nurses to return a staggering 90% of potential salary packaging benefits—approximately $10,494—directly back to the company to reduce its corporate debt.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has voiced strong opposition to this plan, arguing it is not only unfair but also sets a dangerous precedent. “I believe a not-for-profit entity is the best option, but I am opposed to having 90% of my benefits taken by Healthscope to help service their debt,” Anne added.
Staff anxiety is at an all-time high, especially after several ownership changes in recent years. Many nurses feel uncertain about their futures, and repeated questions to management about job security have gone unanswered. “It’s always ‘We can’t make those promises,’” Anne lamented, emphasizing her desire for fair wages and assurance of safe staffing levels.
This strike escalates a series of industrial actions that began on October 28. Previous measures included bans on non-clinical work, signaling the urgency of the situation as nurses demand better treatment.
In a statement to the media, Healthscope expressed disappointment over the strike, claiming an 83% approval rating for the salary packaging proposal among employees, but this claim has not quelled the unrest. “Our number one priority is to provide our patients with the best possible care,” a Healthscope spokesperson stated, asserting that plans are in place to maintain patient safety during the industrial action.
With 19,000 staff nationwide, Healthscope is Australia’s second-largest private hospital operator and has been in receivership since May 26. As the situation develops, the eyes of the healthcare community will be on Coburg, where nurses are determined to fight for their rights and futures.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
