Victoria’s nurses and midwives are set to receive a 28.4 per cent pay rise over four years following an in-principle agreement between their union and the Allan government. This agreement comes after 48 days of protected industrial action. The new deal replaces previous cash payments with an overall wage increase.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, representing around 100,000 members in Victoria, announced the new agreement. Key features include allowances for ward changes, improved on-call allowances, better night shift penalties for permanent staff, and a significant increase of 92 per cent to the qualifications allowance by the end of the deal.
A notable addition to the agreement is a right to disconnect clause, ensuring nurses and midwives are not continuously contacted for shifts they are not seeking. The deal also promises better access to flexible work arrangements. Additionally, the qualifying period for parental leave will drop from six months to zero, and interstate public-sector nurses and midwives will have their service recognised for leave entitlements if they relocate to Victoria.
This agreement still requires endorsement by union members and approval by the state cabinet. Union members will convene on Wednesday in Melbourne and eight regional centres to vote on the deal.
Concerns were raised by union members about the certainty of wage increases, which hinge on a pending Fair Work Commission decision on pay rises for aged care nurses.
The Allan government expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating it aims to deliver “a fair deal to our hardworking nurses and midwives”.
This agreement follows a recent pay deal between the state’s police union and Victoria Police, which includes a nine-day fortnight for frontline officers and a 4 per cent annual wage increase over the next four years.
However, agreements with paramedics and Ambulance Victoria are still pending, as the government manages its significant debt alongside various pay demands. Firefighters, represented by the United Firefighters Union, continue to be in a prolonged pay dispute with Fire Rescue Victoria.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Victoria’s nurses & midwives will receive a 28.4% pay rise over four years, following an in-principle agreement with the Allan government, including improved allowances & flexible work arrangements. 💉💪📈👩⚕️📜 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/Hytxvxtmh5
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) June 23, 2024
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
