Launceston General Hospital nurses and midwives stopped work on Thursday in a bid to raise their concerns about the future of health in Tasmania.
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It came as enterprise agreement negotiations between the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation and state government entered its 12th month.
LGH clinical nurse educator Lani Murray said staff were disheartened and sick of being disrespected.
"One of the things they badly need in all departments and wards at this hospital is ratios for safe care," she said.
"Conditions are a big part of it. If I was to move back up to the mainland and do the same job, I would probably get up to $12,000 a year more."
ANMF Tasmania branch secretary Emily Shepherd said a negotiation meeting scheduled for Thursday had been postponed by the government.
"It feels to our members that it is just another sign of disrespect that the government aren't prioritising funding a better agreement for them, and that they aren't prepared to come to the table with a good offer," she said.
Premier Will Hodgman said in light of a deal made with teachers, he hoped hospital staff and union leaders would desist from industrial action he said was putting Tasmanians in need of health care, at risk.
"I hope the nurses union can see the progress that's been made with the teachers," he said.
"We are talking about a pay increase, one that's affordable, one that's sustainable, that our budget can manage."
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.
