Union members have vowed to stay united and further escalate industrial action, if a resolution to the ongoing wage dispute for public sector health workers is not resolved this week.
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmania branch secretary Emily Shepherd said the union was expecting an offer to be brought to the table, when it meets with the state government on Thursday.
In what will be the second meeting within a week, Ms Shepherd said negotiations had been positive.
“The key priority is about workloads and making sure that an appropriate workload model and time frame is implemented,” she said.
“Looking at recruitment and retention, we need to ensure our wages are competitive with other states and territories.”
Last week the ANMF postponed a ban on elective surgeries at the Mersey Community Hospital, after accusations the industrial action was putting patient lives at risk.
Meanwhile, theatre nurses at the Launceston General Hospital are continuing to hold weekly stop work meetings, along with a ban on overtime and double shifts, as part of the public sector industrial campaign.
Wage negotiations have been ongoing for about seven months, with the government maintaining its current offer provided for a 6 per cent pay rise over three years, plus improved terms and conditions.
On Wednesday, Health Minister Michael Ferguson said the government remained in “active discussions” with the ANMF.
“… both parties are continuing to negotiate in good faith,” he said.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
