Victorian nurses and midwives will receive a 28.4% pay rise over the next four years in a new deal with the Government.
The “once-in-a-generation pay increase” deal comes after weeks of industry-wide protests and months of negotiations between the union and the State Government.
The agreement also includes changes to penalty rates, allowances, workplace conditions, and additional increases for graduate nurses.
Negotiations
Negotiations between the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) and the Victorian Government began in October last year, ahead of the expiration of their previous deal.
The deal is the government’s second offer after the union rejected a proposed 12.6% pay rise last month, saying it didn’t go far enough.
The union argued the 89% female industry “has been undervalued based on gender”.
The deal
Public sector nurses and midwives will receive pay rises each year until 2027, with amounts depending on their seniority.
Healthcare workers will also receive better allowances for on-call shifts and improved night shift penalties.
The new contract includes a ‘right to disconnect’ protecting nurses and midwives from being contacted by employers about shifts they don’t want to work.
The deal will come into effect once it is finalised and approved by the Fair Work Commission.
Victorian Government response
The Victorian Government says the deal provides more certainty for nurses and midwives and pays them “what they deserve.”
Premier Jacinta Allan says the increase will help strengthen the existing workforce while also laying the foundations for a future one.
“It’s a win for all Victorians because better paid nurses and midwives means a better health system.”
Union Response
ANMF Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick says it’s a step closer to rebuilding Victoria’s health system.
“There is still much work to do to acknowledge nurses and midwives work through the pandemic and address current workforce and staffing pressures so that nurses and midwives can start to love their work again.”