The NSWNMA Council has endorsed your delegates’ call for a strike of public health system nurses and midwives next Wednesday – to attend a Special General Meeting of members at 18 web-linked locations around NSW.
There is now no choice but to escalate our action because the Government has refused to extend the successful nurse to patient ratios system.
Over 200 Association delegates from across NSW met tonight in Sydney to report your feedback.
They reported that the Government’s rejection of your claim to put patients first and the legal manoeuvering to reduce your 2013 pay increase to 2.25% is the last straw.
You’ve told us that nursing ratios work when the numbers are right. But for all of those that don’t currently have ratios, we hear loudly and clearly that you have had enough.
NSWNMA has been patient and reasonable in 10 meetings with the Ministry of Health to advocate your claim.
The Government’s refusal to genuinely negotiate leaves members with no choice but to escalate our action.
We are now at a critical moment in our campaign. The strike will be state-wide; everyone will act together and apply our collective strength at once.
It’s critical to attend your Branch meeting this week. All Branches are asked to vote by 4.30 pm, this Friday to endorse the strike action and make arrangements for night duty staffing levels during your strike period.
NSWNMA members have lobbied MPs, collected signatures on petitions, distributed leaflets and attended lunchtime rallies to put pressure on the Government. Now there is a need to step up the pressure and show this Government that enough is enough.
“This meeting of the NSWNMA Council approves the Special Conference of Delegates resolution dated 16 July 2013 calling for a Special General Meetingof Members and strike action on 24J uly 2013.
A Special General Meeting is hereby called for 24 July 2013 in accordance with NSWNMA Rule 43. The meeting shall beheld between 11.30am and 1pm at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports
Centre, Sydney Olympic Park with live webcast to selected regional centres.
All Branches are directed to meet priorto 4.30pm Friday 19 July to vote by secret ballot on whether they will endorse the strike action.”
