Value us: public health campaign
Our campaign for a 15% pay rise
Public sector nurses and midwives in New South Wales are calling for justified and necessary improvements to help rebuild our public health services.
As part of these improvements, we are demanding a 15% pay increase, plus superannuation, for all nurses and midwives from 1 July 2024.
High levels of exhaustion and a decade of wage suppression, coupled with rising cost-of-living pressures, have taken a considerable toll on the nursing and midwifery workforce across our state.
As the largest healthcare workforce, it is essential to look at the investment needed to sustain our nursing and midwifery professions into the future. The viability of our health system depends on it.
Enabling nurses and midwives to achieve and maintain a healthy work-life balance would deliver enormous benefit to both the system and patient outcomes. It will also help retain the knowledge and skills of experienced nurses and midwives, and leave a lasting effect on care.
It’s time to recognise the important contribution nurses and midwives make. This can be done by paying them a fair and deserving wage. NSW nurses and midwives deserve more in 2024.
Where are we up to?
18 October 2024
Our second week of intensive negotiations with the NSW government and the Ministry of Health has now wrapped up.
The latest talks centred around costings provided by the Ministry, and we will return to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) on Monday for our next report back.
We have also received confirmation that the Ministry has today applied in the IRC to have your Award varied to ensure the government’s interim 3% pay increase is actioned. The Ministry has confirmed it will take several weeks for this to be implemented, and members can hopefully expect to see this pay increase delivered by mid-November.
We are at a crucial point in this campaign. We have put the evidence forward, and our own costings have been done. We need your political pressure to move the government. We need as many voices as possible to get behind this fight, because now is the time.
Keep the pressure up! Write to your local MP now
Nurses, midwives, and supporters from across the state are writing to their MP and urging them to publicly support our campaign. If you haven’t already, click here to send a strong message to your MP and urge them to stand with us. It will only take a minute. Encourage your family and friends to do the same.
The NSW crossbench backs nurses and midwives and has already written to the Health Minister, urging Ryan Park to do the right thing and stand by our pay and conditions claim. The seven MPs agree our asks amount to “justified and necessary improvements to help rebuild NSW public health services.”
Will you join our Pollie Watch?
Keeping a watchful eye on the government during these negotiations is vital. That is why nurses and midwives have been sitting in the public gallery during Question Time to remind the government we are not going away.
We will be back next week, and you are invited to put on your union scrubs and/or campaign badges to join us in the gallery!
- Tuesday 22nd October: 12PM – 1:15PM
- Wednesday 23rd October: 11AM – 12.15PM
- Thursday 24th October: 11AM – 12.15PM
If you can make any of the above times and would like to take part in our Pollie Watch, please let us know by emailing organising@nswnma.asn.au
Separating fact from fiction
We know the government has played fast and loose with some of the details regarding our campaign. To help clear up some of the common misconceptions, we have developed a simple Fact vs Fiction guide. Please take a moment to check it out.
Please continue having conversations within your community and ensure they know the reality of how stretched nurses and midwives are. Remember, a well-informed public is key to maintaining pressure.
*NEW* Get the community involved! We need your support
Send an email to your local MP
Now is the time to share our message far and wide to make sure the NSW Government gets the message that our community values nurses and midwives and their claims for more staff and better pay.
Please download our community poster to be used both in and out of your workplaces, to get the word out about the PHS campaign and encourage members of the public to send a message to their local members of parliament.
Do you have any questions? Read this flyer with what you can and can’t do in your workplace.
Previous updates
11 October 2024
This week we met twice with the Ministry of Health and staff from the offices of the Treasurer, Health Minister, and Industrial Relations Minister, to progress your pay and conditions negotiations.
These initial discussions mark the start of four weeks of intensive negotiations with the state government and Ministry of Health. They have been productive, and we await further data and costings from the Ministry when talks resume next week. We will provide a report back to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission on Monday, and update you as these discussions progress further.
To help us at the negotiation table, we need you to keep taking action by creating political pressure through community actions. Let’s show state MPs how much the community supports nurses and midwives!
Five actions we need every member to do:
- Click here to email your state MP and ask them to publicly support nurses and midwives
- Ask five of your family or friends to also support you by emailing their state MP
- Ensure you and your colleagues in your ward or unit have emailed their state MP
- Hand out flyers within your local area, and
- Download our community poster and display it within your workplace, at supportive local businesses or in your window at home
In doubt about what you can and cannot do with the flyers? Click here to read our simple tips.
With the community’s support, we can fight to win a better future for public health in our state.
4 October 2024
Earlier today we returned to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) to progress the framework for our pay negotiations with the state government and the Ministry of Health.
We can now confirm these intensive talks will begin next Tuesday, 8 October, with a second meeting scheduled for Thursday, 10 October.
We will report back to the IRC on Monday, 14 October, with further meetings to follow throughout the month. We have also received confirmation that in addition to the Ministry of Health representatives, senior staff representing the Treasurer, Health Minister, and Industrial Relations Minister will all be in attendance.
This is a positive sign that the government wants to resolve your pay dispute.
The IRC President has made it clear he expects genuine negotiations to take place, and he will be keeping a close eye on these talks. We echo this sentiment, and we are calling on the state government and the Ministry to show that they truly value your work. This can be done by making a genuine pay offer that addresses the interstate and gender-driven pay disparity that has devastated nursing and midwifery ranks in this state.
We are awaiting advice as to when your interim 3% wage increase will be paid, and we will keep members up to date when NSW Health provides us with further information.
Remember, this payment does not prejudice our ability to negotiate further on your pay. We know our public sector nurses and midwives deserve more than what the government has put forward to date, and we will be making sure this message is heard loud and clear at the negotiating table.
Your action is still key
Now is the time to keep our momentum up. The government is willing to talk pay because our recent industrial action forced them to listen.
We must continue to raise awareness within the community to apply political pressure. Please wear your campaign badges, don your Value Us bandanas, and roll out your union scrubs. Branches are encouraged to hold own-time rallies and street stalls. We also need as many members as possible talking with their state MP.
Every conversation is invaluable and will help us achieve a better pay and conditions offer. The public is on our side, and it is time we reminded the government of this.
Be sure to visit our campaign website where you will find an array of resources to support your own efforts – including community flyers and posters, tip sheets, and research to support our fight.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated as this fight progresses, thank you for your actions and keep inviting more and more of your colleagues to join in the action.
30 September 2024
Earlier today, the NSWNMA returned to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) to confirm the next steps in our campaign for fair pay and conditions.
Over the weekend, public sector branch members overwhelmingly endorsed the union entering four weeks of intensive negotiations with the state government and the Ministry of Health. We are pleased to report this recommendation has been accepted and we look forward to a robust discussion over the coming weeks.
As recommended by the IRC, NSW Health will begin paying you an interim 3% wage increase, with backpay to 1 July included. This payment does not prejudice our ability to negotiate our claim. We know 3% does not deliver pay parity and the government must do better. The government’s willingness to negotiate indicates it knows this too.
Similarly, as a gesture of good faith, the NSWNMA has ceased industrial action.
We will return to the IRC this Friday (4 October) to confirm a binding framework for the upcoming talks. We will keep members up to date as the negotiations progress. Any negotiated outcome will be put to a vote of public sector branch members.
Managing your workloads
Throughout these talks, nurses and midwives can focus on their core responsibilities at work, namely patient safety. The Ministry has agreed that bans on the following tasks can continue, where they currently exist:
- Pharmacy collection
- Unstocking in Unit Storeroom
- Pushing beds for intraward transfers
- Changing linen bags
For more information on managing your work expectations, please click here.
Members should continue amplifying our public awareness campaign. This includes wearing badges, bandanas, and union scrubs. Branches can also arrange community action such as own-time rallies, street stalls, MP lobbying, and letter boxing to help spread our message.
Remember, the only reason the government has come to the table to talk wages is because of our recent industrial action. Your efforts to date have helped open negotiations.
Continue speaking up – we must maintain the pressure!
Any political lobbying during this time is crucial. If you have not done so already, seek a follow-up meeting with your local Member of Parliament. Be sure to stress the importance of a pay rise that addresses the recruitment and retention issues in New South Wales by matching Queensland and closing the gender pay gap.
Thank you for your commitment and passion to date. We look forward to updating you as this fight progresses.
29 September 2024
On Friday and over the weekend, thousands of public sector nurses and midwives participated in a vote to inform the next steps in your pay and conditions campaign. This followed Friday’s webinar where we provided an update with over 1,700 members participating.
The outcome of the vote was overwhelmingly to accept the recommendation that the NSWNMA enter four weeks of intensive negotiations with the government and Ministry of Health, and as a show of good faith, pause our industrial action.
While work bans will need to cease, we are in discussions with the Ministry regarding ‘work to rule’ or ‘work to the Award’ actions. Organisers will clarify this with branches as soon as we have resolved this with the Ministry.
The breakdown of the voting will be available tomorrow via Member Central.
Tomorrow at 9:30am (Monday 30 September), we will return to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) and convey this decision to the President, with the intention of entering the intensive negotiations as soon as practicable.
We will also seek confirmation as to whether the Ministry intends to comply with the IRC’s recommendation that they pay you a 3% interim pay increase, backdated to 1 July 2024. Remember, this was not sought by the Association and will not impact our ability to negotiate a better wage outcome alongside your remaining log of claims.
During the intensive negotiations, branch members are encouraged to continue our public awareness campaign by wearing badges, bandanas, and union scrubs.
Branches can also arrange community actions such as own-time rallies, street stalls and letter boxing. In addition, political lobbying efforts should continue, and branches can arrange follow up meetings with local Members of Parliament if you haven’t done so already.
If we do not make meaningful progress during these intensive negotiations, we will resume our campaign.
Importantly, any negotiated outcome will be put to a vote of public sector branch members.
Thank you once again for all your efforts. It is without a doubt your collective actions that have enabled our strong negotiating position and forced the Premier and Health Minister to confirm a willingness to act.
26 September 2024
On Tuesday more than 10,000 public sector nurses and midwives across the state hit the streets to protest the government’s pay offer.
We were loud and proud, and these efforts have forced the government to engage with us. We are pleased to confirm that following your efforts and the strike, the Health Minister has confirmed a willingness to enter into negotiations in order to resolve the impasse.
We now have a meeting with Premier Chris Minns today, where we will continue to champion your justified ask for a better pay deal.
Click below to see all the highlights from our 24-hour strike.
Members showed great courage in taking to the streets this week. We know nurses and midwives have withstood a significant amount of pressure from management, and we recognise that some had no choice but to stay behind to maintain essential life-preserving care. Our strike is not possible without this selfless work. Industrial action of this magnitude is never taken lightly, but your action has been felt by government.
On Tuesday evening we spoke with public sector delegates to map out the next steps in this campaign. Delegates are enthusiastic to canvas the opinion of branches, and we will be doing this in the coming days.
This Friday at 3pm, we will be hosting an urgent campaign meeting to discuss our meetings with the Premier and the Minister for Health, and the recommendations made by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC).
Branch meetings will occur directly after the urgent campaign update or as soon as possible to vote on these recommendations. Branches have until 5pm Saturday to vote. This will inform our next step when the NSWNMA returns to the IRC next Monday, 30 September.
23 September 2024
24HR STRIKE ON 24 SEPT
Tomorrow, we strike for 24 hours to send a strong message to the NSW government – nurses and midwives deserve 15%!
To help answer some of the most frequent questions we are hearing, and clear up any misinformation about tomorrow’s strike, here are all the points you need to know:
You cannot be fined for taking part in this strike action.
The NSW Industrial Relations Commission extended its orders on the NSWNMA to stop industrial action through to September 30. Despite this, your NSWNMA Council is backing nurses and midwives in taking strike action for 24 hours tomorrow, from the start of morning shift.
Though the NSWNMA can be fined for this industrial action, no individual nurse or midwife can face fines for taking strike action. The Ministry of Health, through your local managers, may attempt to influence members not to strike.
Click below to hear a message from your NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish.
The Association will work with your branch and managers to ensure life preserving staffing is maintained.
Only you can make the decision whether to participate in the strike. Your manager cannot force you to stay behind and work. If the Association agrees that more staff are needed to maintain life preserving levels, we will work with your local branch to resolve this.
This means there may be a request for some members to return to work. This request will come from the Association, and will be a last resort where it is clear that life-preserving staffing cannot be provided from the staff available.
Your employer may use a range of techniques to try to convince you to not participate or to return to work, including threats of disciplinary action. This is why sticking together is so important.
The Ministry of Health says “patient safety should not be compromised during this industrial action”. We agree, which is why minimal, life-preserving staffing will be maintained in all public hospitals and health services during this strike. This is critical, as we need to ensure we are providing safe care, and also maintaining crucial community support for our campaign.
This is an important time in this campaign. We need our members to stand strong together to make sure the government hears us. Join us tomorrow.
If you are not a member and would like to participate in this stike and be protected, click here to sign up.
21 September 2024
Did you watch the news over the last few days? Ryan Park and the NSW government have made it clear as day they want us to stay quiet and back down—but we won’t.
It has never been more important to show our strength. The men of Macquarie Street are not listening to their largest female dominated workforce. We will continue to stand up for the pay and conditions, we and the community deserve. Join us on strike and at one of our rallies and let’s make it known: we will not be ignored!
Click below to hear from your General Secretary, Shaye Candish and Assistant General Secretary, Michael Whaites.
Have you let your NUM/MUM know that you’re taking strike action this Tuesday, 24 September from the start of the morning shift?
Make sure to do this as soon as possible so they can make decisions about what resources will be available during the action.
Have other questions?
Check out this handy tip and FAQ sheet to help answer all of your questions, including what to do when preparing to take strike action.
Which rally will you be attending?
Visit our campaign page for essential details about each rally. To maximise our impact, we encourage you to bring your friends, family, and colleagues. Just imagine the power of our voices if everyone brought along two extra supporters!
Together, we’ll prove to the state government that we won’t be pushed aside.
If you are not a member and would like to participate in this stike and be protected, click here to sign up.
19 September 2024
Over the past 24 hours, urgent talks have been held with state ministers regarding our justified ask of a 15% pay increase for public sector nurses and midwives.
As we mentioned yesterday, the NSWNMA has been committed to finding a path forward. The government was given until 5pm today to agree to one of your claims as a sign of good faith on future pay and conditions negotiations.
Disappointingly, it has failed to do so.
We now have no choice but to continue our industrial action. This is essential to maintaining pressure on a government that continues to ignore and undervalue this state’s nurses and midwives.
The NSW Industrial Relations Commission has extended its orders on the NSWNMA to stop industrial action through to September 30.
Nonetheless, we are going on strike for 24 hours, from the start of morning shift next Tuesday, 24 September. Remember, though your union can be fined for industrial action, no nurse or midwife can face individual fines for taking part.
All public sector members are encouraged to join us in a show of force at three major rallies across the state.
The details:
- Sydney CBD: Tues 24 September, 11:30AM. Meet at Hyde Park North, followed by march to NSW Parliament at 12:00PM.
- Tweed Heads: Tues 24 September, 12:00pM. Jack Evans Boat Harbour.
- Albury: Tues 24 September, 12:00pM. QEII Square, Dean St.
- Click here for more info.
Bring your signs and your loudest voices – we must ensure Premier Chris Minns, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, and Health Minister Ryan Park know that their measly pay offer doesn’t cut it.
Be sure to wear your NSWNMA scrubs, or wear your work scrubs and cover the NSW Health logo with a campaign badge or sticker.
It is important you know your rights and responsibilities when striking, click below to see our handy tips guide.
We need every voice to speak up next week to send a strong message to the government. Together, let’s strike next Tuesday!
If you are not a member and would like to participate in this stike and be protected, click here to sign up.
18 September 2024
Earlier today the NSWNMA returned to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) for conciliation talks.
Despite the stalemate we have reached with the Ministry of Health and the state government around PHS member’s pay and conditions, the NSWNMA is working to chart a way forward and achieve a breakthrough that brings the government to the table.
The government cannot afford to ignore you
NSWNMA member’s strike action achieved a meeting late last week, with the Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, Health Minister Ryan Park, and Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis.
We made our demands crystal clear, and we reminded the government that nurses and midwives are willing to take more industrial action if it fails to take our concerns seriously.
It is just not acceptable for this government to continue turning a blind eye to the pay inequity that is seriously undermining our female-dominated workforce.
To help address this, we have sought an immediate agreement to our claim for an increase of the night duty penalty. If the government is serious about negotiating in good faith with us, then it must signal this by proving it is willing to work on addressing the state-based and gender-driven pay gaps that are crippling our nursing and midwifery workforce.
The government has until 5PM tomorrow to put forward a meaningful offer. If it fails to do so, we will have no choice but to take action.
Where we now stand
In the meantime, the IRC has now extended its current orders against the NSWNMA to 30 September. We will take the opportunity to further discuss these orders at our statewide Committee of Delegates meeting next Tuesday.
Remember, if the government fails to put forward a satisfactory offer and we take action as a result, individual nurses and midwives will not face fines for taking part in any further industrial action.
We must continue to stand strong if we are to achieve the pay and conditions reforms necessary to improve the long-term prospects of nurses and midwives in this state.
Keep an eye on your email for further updates, we will be in touch in the next 24 hours. If you are not a member and would like updates on this campaign and would like to be protected if taking industrial action, click here to sign up.
13 September 2024
Earlier this week, thousands of public sector nurses and midwives took to the streets to send a strong message to the NSW government: value us by delivering a justified pay rise that addresses the current interstate and gender disparity!
Striking is never done lightly, and the NSW government and Premier Chris Minns underestimated the might of nurses and midwives who stand in solidarity with each other.
Click below to see the strike highlights from across the state.
Tuesday’s strikes showed how much this tough economic climate is hurting you. No nurse or midwife should be paying 2024 prices off the back of 2008-era wages. It’s just not good enough, and the public is backing us to win this fight with the government.
This strike forced the government to take notice
Before the last state election, Labor promised to support public sector nurses and midwives, but its actions to date had suggested otherwise. We know the government is concerned about its image, that’s why this is such a crucial time in the campaign.
Importantly, our actions on Tuesday prompted the government to listen.
Late yesterday, we met with Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, Health Minister Ryan Park, and Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis, to demand a better pay and conditions offer for members.
The government acknowledged the need to consider a meaningful outcome and to also hold further discussions with us, which we are in the process of confirming.
We are in this together
We are committed to fighting for this win with you. More information on the next stage of this campaign will be made available soon. Be sure to keep an eye on your email, SMS, and the NSWNMA’s social media. Share posts with colleagues and refer to this campaign page for further details. Let’s keep our momentum going!
9 September 2024
We are all angry, we are all frustrated, and we are all ready to go!
Join us tomorrow from 0700, as members strike statewide for improved pay and working conditions. It is time the NSW government recognised the worth of our female-dominated professions.
Today, the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) made orders against the NSWNMA to cease our industrial action. Click here to see the orders.
Your NSWNMA Council has determined these orders cannot be complied with. Our strike will go ahead tomorrow and Council stands with you as we continue the fight for fair pay until a meaningful offer is delivered.
It is disappointing that the government has pushed this matter into the IRC. For months, we have continuously showed up to negotiation meetings and acted in good faith. We even did their work for them, by identifying savings ready to fund our pay claim.
Yet, the government continues to disrespect and ignore the true value of your work. Not once has government sat down and negotiated your pay.
Our 10 September strike from 0700 is going ahead as planned. Click here to see a list of rally locations.
Click below to see a video message from NSWNMA President, O’Bray Smith.
What you need to know about the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC)
The IRC has made orders against the NSWNMA and its members, to cease industrial action on 10 September.
Your employer may try to use these orders to dissuade you from taking action. While the NSWNMA can be fined for not complying with the IRC orders, you personally will not face fines for taking part in industrial action.
Remember, your NSWNMA Council is strongly backing members who take part in this important strike. Our industrial action will send a loud and clear message to the NSW government: nurses and midwives deserve more in 2024.
Click here and take a moment to look over our industrial action guidance. This helps outline your rights and responsibilities. Just sign in to Member Central to view the tips.
We never take industrial action lightly. As dedicated nurses and midwives, we strive to provide compassionate, high-quality care to our patients every day. However, the NSW government’s refusal to value us and put a decent offer on the table has left us with no choice.
Our actions will raise community awareness and hold politicians accountable. The haemorrhaging of staff to other states, unlivable pay, and unsafe working conditions must be addressed.
See you tomorrow! Wear your NSWNMA union scrubs, bring your placards, and raise your voice!
7 September 2024
Next Tuesday, 10 September, nurses and midwives will strike from 0700, and we need your voice to send a strong message to the NSW government.
Rallies are being held to remind the government it must do better than its insulting 3% per year pay offer, over three years. Nurses and midwives are living on 2008-era wages and paying 2024 prices – it is just not good enough. We need a one year, 15% pay increase.
Click below to hear from nurses and midwives as they share the reality of the challenges facing their work and livelihood.
Make sure you’re prepared to strike!
Taking strike action is not a decision made lightly. We know this is a significant undertaking, but it is imperative the NSW government hears us loud and clear.
Strike ready checklist:
- Find your nearest rally by visiting our website. Speak to your branch officials if you would like to coordinate an action at your workplace.
- Review our guide to escalating industrial action. This covers the key rights and responsibilities.
- Download posters to spread the word: tell the community We Deserve 15%, Nurses and Midwives Deserve More in 2024, and remind the government to Value Us!
- Get creative over the weekend, and start making your personalised posters, memes, chants, messages to the government – we want to see it all!
- Post in your work group chats, FB pages and on your socials to get your colleagues, friends, and family involved in the campaign.
Solidarity is at the heart of this fight
Be sure to spread the word about Tuesday’s rally. Encourage any colleague who isn’t a member of the NSWNMA to sign up so they are protected when taking industrial action.
Yesterday, the NSW Industrial Relations Commission recommended we don’t go ahead with Tuesday’s strike. Your NSWNMA Council met today to consider these recommendations and determined unanimously, the strike on Tuesday will continue. Council does not want to take a backwards step, they are fired up and stand firmly with you – now is the time for action.
Fighting for a better health system
A 15% pay increase will go a long way towards repairing our depleted nursing and midwifery workforce. We cannot afford to go on bleeding staff to Queensland and Victoria.
It is time the NSW government respected and valued the state’s largest female-dominated workforce. Next Tuesday, 10 September, bring your signs, maintain the anger, and lets push back on the government’s galling indifference.
NSW nurses and midwives deserve more in 2024.
5 September 2024
The clock has run out. It is time to strike.
Earlier this week we wrote to Health Minister Ryan Park and demanded the NSW government make a better pay offer than its insulting 3% per year, over three years.
For months the NSWNMA and your Log of Claims Committee have made a compelling case for a 15% pay increase over one year. Despite this, the government has shown no willingness to budge.
Disappointingly, but not surprisingly, the government has failed to meet our deadline today. This is unacceptable, and we must now ramp up our industrial action.
Now is the time to strike. We won’t be silenced.
This is a critical point in our campaign. Next Tuesday, 10 September, nurses and midwives across the state will strike from 07:00am to 7:30pm and hold rallies to send a strong message: Labor must stop exploiting the goodwill of hardworking nurses and midwives.
CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR NEAREST STRIKE ACTION
The government must fix the gender pay gap and the ongoing pay disparity with other states. Ignoring nurses and midwives risks further erosion of an already depleted public sector workforce, putting patient safety at greater risk.
Click below to hear a video message from NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish.
Major rallies will be held in Kogarah, Corrimal, Newcastle, Parramatta, Coffs Harbour, Bathurst, Gosford, and Albury, with additional protests being coordinated across the state. Please join us. For more information and a full list of locations, please click here to visit our campaign website.
We have your back – we must stand together in solidarity.
Decisions like this are not made lightly. This has been a long campaign, but we cannot afford to take a back step at this juncture.
To help prepare for Tuesday’s strikes, we have developed a guide to explain your rights and responsibilities when taking industrial action. Please take a moment to review this before we hit the streets next week.
CLICK HERE TO READ OUR GUIDE TO INDUSTRIAL ACTION
This is a major opportunity to put pressure back on the government. When Chris Minns took up the office of Premier last year, he thanked nurses and midwives for their ongoing work. Now he is systematically ignoring us. We won’t accept this any longer.
30 August 2024
A massive shout out to all the nurses and midwives who joined the stop work actions this week! Almost 100 public sector branches held short strikes across the state, demanding fair pay and better conditions.
NSWNMA member’s collective action is making a real impact on the Minns government. Our message has reached the community, resonating through television, newspapers, and radio, with the NSWNMA featuring in the media almost 500 times over the past five days!
Take a look at this video below to see member’s strength in numbers.
Why are we demanding fair pay?
This week, branches taking action have said:
“Nurses and midwives call on the government to come to the table and make a serious offer that recognises the value of nurses and midwives, and the need pay us wages that attracts and retains staff in public health system.”
We will not back down.
We should not be in a position where we are considering increasing industrial action, but a failure by the Minns government to put a better offer on the table leaves us no option.
The NSW government may be refusing to value us right now, but together we’ll demonstrate the unstoppable force of our professions. Let’s keep building our strength, and make our voices impossible to ignore.
23 August 2024
The NSWNMA is escalating its fight to demand a 15% pay increase, as part of PHS member’s 2024 Award claim!
Starting Monday, 26 August, branch members across the state will be stepping up actions with one-hour stop work meetings and rallies.
Your participation in these actions will be essential to amplify our collective voice. Together, we need to stand strong and hold the NSW government accountable for not paying nurses and midwives fairly. Click here to see if your branch or a nearby branch is taking action.
Why are we escalating?
The NSW government refuses to commit to a 15% pay rise. They claim they have met our safe staffing demand, so they can’t address pay. Securing ratios was a win for community safety, but shouldn’t come at the expense of nurses and midwives.
The state government said they would consider our claim if we found the savings, which we did.
Why 1 hour stop work meetings?
We are starting stop work actions in short bursts to gauge how ready members are to take larger, escalating actions. We need to ensure every member across NSW is ready and willing to STAND UP for fair pay.
During this 1 hour stop work, your branch will make key decisions on the next steps in this campaign.
Have any questions about this type of industrial action?
Members can read this handy fact sheet which summarises what stop work action involves and your rights. Not a member? Click here to sign up so you are protected when taking industrial action.
Can’t attend? You can still make a powerful impact on our campaign!
Rally your friends, family, favourite barista, or locals on the street to email the NSW Treasurer. It’s easy—just have them fill out this quick form, which only takes about 2 minutes.
You can also spread the word by printing and posting these posters in patient areas at your workplace or around your community—like coffee shop windows or gym noticeboards.
The NSW government is refusing to value us. Let’s show them what happens when they don’t.
16 August 2024
The NSWNMA and your Log of Claims Committee have held regular talks with the Ministry of Health to progress your 2024 Award claim. Despite 10 rounds of negotiations, neither the Ministry nor the state government have made a genuine pay and conditions offer that reflects the contribution you and your colleagues make to public health in New South Wales.
Earlier this week, at a scheduled hearing before the Industrial Relations Commission, all parties provided an update on where negotiations currently stand. Members also made sure their voices were heard outside the Commission.
Click below to see all the action.
The next report back to the Commission is due in mid-September, and we will keep members up to date as this progresses.
The Ministry of Health is dragging its feet
We are disappointed the Ministry and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey continue to stonewall your justified ask of a one-year, 15% pay increase.
It is also disappointing to now see the Ministry failing to progress our ask for rostered days off to be consecutive (unless otherwise agreed). The Ministry should be working with us to create a suitable work/life balance, and manage fatigue in the public health system.
Hardworking nurses and midwives, like you, battle day in and day out to keep our public health system afloat. It’s just not good enough.
Help spread the word – download our community flyer now!
We need to share our message far and wide, and the politicians need to hear our voice. Click here to download our community flyer, and visit Member Central to check out our handy guide on what you can and cannot do to help spread the word.
Ratios rollout continues, but the government must pick up the pace. Read about it here.
2 August 2024
Following our impassioned own-time rallies over the past week, the NSWNMA has continued talks with the Ministry of Health regarding PHS member’s 2024 Log of Claims.
Member’s actions are having an impact, but we know more needs to be done to continue to shift the Ministry. We have achieved progress on your no-cost claims, and discussions have begun on our Midwifery Group Practice claim.
This week’s negotiations mark the ninth round of talks with the Ministry, and though the PHS Log of Claims Committee continues to strongly advocate on member’s behalf, there is no progress on the most important issues, like the 15% pay claim, as the Ministry has no authority to negotiate beyond 3%.
Click here to tell NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey to value nurses and midwives.
This is not good enough, so it is time to continue ramping up the pressure.
Together we are influential
Remember, it is so important we have every nurse and midwife lending their voice to this campaign. We have calculated the numbers, and it is time we reminded NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey of this.
Speak with your family and friends, engage your colleagues and encourage them all to get involved. Just a handful of conversations can have an incredible impact. Urge those around you to tell the NSW Treasurer he must value the work you do.
Keep raising our voices!
Across the state members are speaking up and clearly articulating why the NSW government cannot afford to continue undervaluing nurses and midwives.
Speaking to NBN News, Armidale Community Health & Hospital Branch President Emma Ratajczyk outlines the raft of challenges facing nurses and midwives.
We’ll keep you updated on the next steps of this campaign. Keep spreading the word in your community. This is essential to maintaining momentum in this fight.
26 July 2024
This week, hundreds of nurses and midwives across the state held own-time rallies to ramp up the fight for fair pay and proper recognition of the work you do.
PHS member’s campaign for a one-year 15% pay offer took to the streets at more than 50 locations, with members proudly raising their voices and donning campaign badges, stickers, and scrubs.
Members also designed placards to ensure Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and the NSW government continues to hear the message loud and clear: You deserve more in 2024.
Click below to see a wrap of this week’s action.
Negotiations update
PHS Log of Claims Committee representatives held another meeting with the Ministry of Health this week to further negotiate PHS member’s 2024 Award claim. It is fair to say no significant progress occurred as the government continues to review the numbers in our Rapid Business Case before it makes a decision on current wages crisis.
This fight continues
Member’s own-time rallies have been a topic of conversation in households statewide. We must continue to build on this momentum.
Keep having conversations in your local community to raise awareness of our fight for a one-year 15% pay rise and demand the government values our state’s largest female-dominated professions.
Tell your family, friends, neighbours, postie, hairdresser or publican to send a message to the Treasurer.
Just copy and paste this link to share: nswnma.info/supportus
19 July 2024
In recent weeks the NSWNMA has held talks with the Ministry of Health regarding PHS member’s 2024 Award claim.
We have negotiated in good faith regarding member’s no cost claims, however, following our latest talks, the Ministry has taken a step back on these key asks. Meanwhile, we await the government’s decision on whether they accept our plan to fix the wages crisis created by the previous government.
This is not good enough, it is time to show we mean business.
Click below to hear from your Assistant General Secretary, Michael Whaites, and Wyong Hospital Branch President, Kelly Falconer.
Tell the government it is time to Value Us!
Nurses and midwives will be coming together next week to raise their voices as part of a wave of own-time rallies.
This is our chance to escalate this campaign and tell NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey his insulting pay offer doesn’t come close to valuing the work you do. Our fight for fair pay continues, and we won’t be silenced.We need as many nurses and midwives as possible taking part in this campaign action. Talk with your colleagues, spread the word, and continue to wear your campaign badges and stickers at work.
The NSW government must respect and value the state’s largest female-dominated professions. NSW nurses and midwives deserve more in 2024. Let’s make sure they get that message loud and clear.
11 July 2024
Today the NSWNMA held our sixth round of negotiations regarding PHS member’s 2024 Log of Claims.
It is clear we need to ramp up our campaign to achieve a one-year, 15% pay increase. Though we have seen some willingness to work together in our weekly talks, the Ministry of Health has no authority to move on our highest-priority items like your entirely justifiable pay ask. The Treasurer must act.
So far, we’ve seen members across the state donning campaign badges, stickers, and NSWNMA scrubs to help raise awareness of this fight. It is a great first step that’s seeing more and more members become involved, but there is plenty more to do.
Click below to hear from our Log of Claims Committee members, Peggy Smith, Sue White, Nick Tribbia, and Karen Hart.
Outside of PHS member’s central pay claim, yesterday’s talks progressed their work/life balance claims, that includes two consecutive rostered days off, a prohibition on working night duty before annual leave, and consultation before roster changes. As recently mentioned, we have also gained agreement to progress our Midwifery Group Practice claim, and we will now be holding standalone talks on this in the coming fortnight.
There was limited discussion of our claim for improvements to existing provisions and expansion of Clause 54 regarding trade union activities. We are seeking improvements to ensure access to paid union meetings, and this fight continues.
It is time to ramp up pressure on NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey.
On Monday 15 July, nurses and midwives across the state will be all wearing badges in solidarity, demonstrating that our fight for better pay and conditions has only just begun!
| 1. | PHS member’s wear your badge – if you don’t have one, contact your Branch representative. Not a member? Click here to sign up so you are protected when taking industrial action. |
| 2. | On Monday, be sure to let us know if you’re wearing a badge! Check in on the NSWNMA App, and click here to download the App if you haven’t already. |
| 3. | Take a photo of you wearing your badge and be sure to share it with us via the DropBox link in your emails. |
Following the mass check-in on Monday, it’s crucial to keep wearing your badge throughout the campaign, this will show our collective strength. Together, let’s show the NSW Government we are ready to fight.
5 July 2024
After the fifth round of negotiations regarding PHS member’s 2024 Log of Claims, the Ministry of Health has not moved on improved pay.
Whilst the NSWNMA continues to argue for a 15% pay increase for public sector nurses and midwives, the Ministry has no authority to move on our most significant claims. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey must provide further funding if we are to significantly improve your take home pay.
Public Health System Branches have voted unanimously to reject the government’s blanket offer of 10.5% over three years and have endorsed escalating action. We will continue to put pressure on the Treasurer because nurses and midwives deserve more in 2024.
Click below to hear an update from Sydney Children’s Hospital Branch Delegate and Log of Claims Committee member, Thom Hoffman.
Some movement on improving work-life balance claims
The Ministry has shown further willingness to work with us on your work-life balance claims, as they attract no cost to government. This includes:
- Our claim for all rostered days off to be consecutive, unless agreed between the employee and local nursing/midwifery management
- Our claim for a prohibition on working night duty prior to commencing a day of annual leave, unless agreed to by both the employer and the nurse/midwife, and
- Our claim for changes to published rosters requiring prior consultation with the staff member impacted
We have also gained agreement to progress our Midwifery Group Practice claim.
The next steps
Whilst we will continue holding weekly negotiations with the Ministry, our industrial action must ramp up. This is our chance to send a strong message.
After more than 50 days of protected industrial action, our comrades in Victoria were recognised with a pay rise that respects the work of nurses and midwives.
We’ve done the numbers, and there is no reason for Daniel Mookhey and Labor to say no! It is time NSW Labor acknowledged that it will not recruit and retain the workforce our state needs whilst the largest female workforce in NSW remains the worst paid in the country. If they can find a way to pay male-dominated professions more, they can find a way to pay nurses and midwives more. We are asking them to work with us on this, and Labor must take these negotiations seriously.
Nurses and midwives in our state are about to become the lowest paid in the country. This is simply not good enough.
Right now, NSWNMA members are wearing campaign badges and stickers to raise awareness of our fight. They’re sending the government a simple message – VALUE US! Remember: the more of us who take part in this – the stronger we are.
We encourage NSWNMA members to speak with the campaign contact on your ward or unit as soon as possible and be sure to get your hands on a badge or sticker. If you do not have a contact, reach out to the NSWNMA for assistance.
Not a member? Click here to sign up so you are protected when taking industrial action.
Do not forget to download the NSWNMA app on your phone and visit the ‘check in’ tab to register your participation in this campaign.
Our fight is ramping up, let us stand together to secure the pay and conditions nureses and midwives deserve.
1 July 2024
In recent weeks, the NSWNMA has been negotiating in good faith with the Ministry of Health to progress PHS member’s 2024 Log of Claims.
We have shown a willingness to work with the government throughout this process, however, we have been notified the Ministry filed applications for Awards in the Industrial Relations Commission this afternoon, indicating it is progressing ahead with its insulting blanket offer of a 10.5% pay increase over three years.
This is a hostile decision and one that is at odds with how bargaining should take place.
We have made it clear to the government and the Ministry that nurses and midwives should receive a one-year 15% pay increase, not only because you deserve it, but also because we know Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Labor can afford it.
We won’t be silenced
As a result, and in line with member’s democratic vote, we are asking all nurses and midwives across the state to start wearing campaign badges and stickers from this Wednesday, and to wear them until the campaign is over. This gives all members an opportunity to be part of this effort, and it is our chance to send a strong and united message to the NSW government: We must be taken seriously.
If you are prepared to join your colleagues in wearing a badge or sticker but don’t have a campaign contact on your ward or unit, then be sure to contact the NSWNMA as soon as possible.
Our next steps
The NSWNMA is committed to fighting for more and our campaign is just heating up.
We will now weigh up all our options to navigate the government’s cynical tactics in the Industrial Relations Commission.
As you know, public sector branches have been voting on escalating industrial action. The outcome has been a resounding endorsement for action in support of our claim with more than 98% of members voting YES to taking action!
Remember, we need every voice to speak up in this fight. Talk with your colleagues and get them to join us in this campaign. We are in this fight together.
28 June 2024
Yesterday the NSWNMA held its fourth round of talks with the Ministry of Health to progress PHS members’ 2024 Log of Claims. Members of of the PHS Log of Claims Committee were on hand once again to continue making a strong case for our fair, justifiable ask of a one-year 15% pay increase.
Championing our evidence-based ask
Earlier this week we shared our Rapid Business Case, which was developed in conjunction with Deloitte Financial Advisory. What it shows is the government can afford to invest in the public sector nursing and midwifery workforce after a decade of neglect.
We now await direct talks with the Health Minister and his ministry representatives to examine this further.
Willingness to work together
The discussions also centred around some of our no-cost claims, including consecutive days off and consultation on roster changes. Despite significant discussion on these claims, we are yet to reach any agreement with the Ministry of Health.
Click below to hear an update from Muswellbrook Branch Delegate and Log of Claims Committee member, Peggy Smith.
More work to be done
We are yet to see the state government and the Ministry of Health demonstrate how they intend to address wages in a meaningful way here in New South Wales. This means they currently have no plan to return to being the employer of choice for public sector nurses and midwives.
It’s simply not good enough to continue losing staff across the border. Nurses and midwives should not have to pack up and move interstate to be valued, or to be able to pay the bills.
The next steps
We return to the negotiating table next week where our fight for more will continue.
We are in this fight together. We will need every voice to build our collective effort to overhaul public health in our state. Stand with us in this fight for what we deserve!
24 June 2024
Another compelling evidence-based report has been presented to the Ministry of Health by the PHS Log of Claims Committee in our campaign for a 15% pay rise and improved conditions.
Earlier this year, the state government set the NSWNMA the challenge of finding savings to facilitate improved wages and conditions – we’ve exceeded that challenge.
A Rapid Business Case developed in conjunction with Deloitte Financial Advisory shows how the government can afford to invest in the public sector nursing and midwifery workforce after a decade of neglect.
The Rapid Business Case reveals:
- Inefficient hospital reporting has cost the state billions of dollars in untapped Commonwealth funding with over $3bn lost in the last five years
- Last year alone, the state missed out on its fair share of commonwealth funding of $1.58bn
- Improving where and how we care for sub-acute patients or patients awaiting an aged care placement can deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in savings
- Improving your wages and workloads will save millions by reducing staff turnover, overtime, agency staffing, and hospital-acquired complications
- By acting on these findings, the government can use the savings to invest in nurses and midwives and pay our 15% pay claim
Hear from General Secretary, Shaye Candish and Assistant General Secretary, Michael Whaites as they unpack the key insights that will strengthen our 2024 Award Claim ask. Click here to watch.
What is clear from both the Rapid Business Case and the Escaping NSW Treasury’s Curse report is that the NSW government is failing to set a wage for nurses and midwives that will lead to the recruitment and retention needed.
The state government must listen to us. Our fight is just beginning.
If the government doesn’t deliver a 15% pay increase to nurses and midwives, it will be because it’s choosing to pay nurses and midwives low wages – and not what we’re worth.
Get ready to fight with us! The state government officially has no excuse now.
20 June 2024
Public health system Log of Claims Committee members, alongside NSWNMA staff, have met for the third time with the Ministry of Health to push forward the 2024 Log of Claims that the NSWNMA served in May.
Off the back of this week’s state budget, the NSWNMA’s negotiation team made it clear that nurses and midwives were left behind.
Today, the negotiation team outlined the claim details, backed by personal stories from Log of Claims Committee members. They also outlined our evidence to show the 15% pay claim is affordable. Our detailed and solutions-focused report will be provided to the Ministry and members early next week.
Click below to hear an update from Nepean Blue Mountains Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Branch Secretary and Log of Claims Committee member, Nick Tribbia.
What remains abundantly clear is: we will not win without members taking action.
Remember, we are stronger together. Every NSWNMA member plays a vital role in our collective effort to rebuild and strengthen our workforce, which is in dire need of repair. Let’s fight for what we deserve!
NSWNMA public sector members, check your inboxes for more information.
13 June 2024
This afternoon our second round of Award claim negotiations occurred with the Ministry of Health.
Members of the PHS Log of Claims Committee were on hand to make a strong case for a one-year 15% pay increase.
Click below to hear an update from Wagga Wagga Branch President and Log of Claims Committee member, Karen Hart.
We are making progress in ensuring NSWNMA member’s voices are heard, but what is clear is we still have a fight ahead of us to secure the improvements to pay and conditions that nurses and midwives deserve.
“What do we want? 15%! When do we want it? Now!”
Our campaign is ramping up, across the past two days, around 60 LHD representatives from across the state came together in Sydney for training and to formally launch our campaign efforts.
As talks with the Ministry took place this afternoon, NSWNMA members took our message to the streets outside the Ministry of Health. We raised our voices to ensure our ask of the government is crystal clear.
Click below to see the highlights of today’s rally outside the Ministry of Health.
To ensure we win this fight, we need every voice to speak up.
There is no better time than now to stand together to see nurses and midwives paid properly. The government must recognise how much you care.
If you haven’t already, be sure to get involved and help your workplace campaign!
We’ll be in touch with members early next week about next steps.
6 June 2024
This afternoon, the NSWNMA held its first 2024 Award claim negotiations with the Ministry of Health, where members of the PHS Log of Claims Committee clearly expressed member’s demands. The Ministry was not in a position to improve the insulting offer of 10.5% over three years.
Your Award claim seeks a one-year 15% pay increase, and we believe this is necessary in the current economic climate.
A justified Award claim
To help inform our position, and ensure our campaign is grounded in strong economic evidence, the NSWNMA sought expert industrial relations and labour market advice from the University of Sydney’s Professor John Buchanan, alongside Dr Troy Henderson, and Associate Professor Jo-An Occhipinti.
Their report, Escaping NSW Treasury’s Curse, examines the financial factors at play. It shows that our ask of 15% is entirely reasonable and justifiable. The NSWNMA took the Ministry through the report, reinforcing that we have the evidence to justify our claim.
Escaping NSW Treasury’s Curse demonstrates the devastating impact of the former government’s public sector wages cap, the ongoing effects of inflation, and how our state lags others in seriously recognising the contributions of nurses and midwives.
The wages of nurses and midwives have fallen by more than 10% in real terms over the last four years. In fact, the buying power of their wages is at 2007 levels. Now is the time for Treasurer Daniel Mookhey to take steps to make this right!
The NSWNMA Council will meet tomorrow to consider our next steps.
Hear from Assistant General Secretary, Michael Whaites, Muswellbrook District Hospital Branch Delegate, Peggy Smith, and South East Regional Hospital Branch President, Diane Lang below.
NSW v QLD: Battle brews for nurses and midwives
Members from the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) donned their blue scrubs in a show of solidarity with the Sky Blues team. Off the field, members showcased the female-dominated workforce’s own big battle, in their fight for a 15% pay rise this year.
Check out our highlight video below.
31 May 2024
Earlier this month we served public health system member’s 2024 Award claim on the Ministry of Health, and we want to update you on how this is progressing.
On 19 May, the state government wrote to all public sector unions, including the NSWNMA, indicating a baseline position of a blanket 4% public sector pay offer (or 10.5% over three years).
On Wednesday, the NSWNMA received a letter of offer from the government, confirming the above pay proposal as a formal offer. This is well below our Award claim ask of 15% over one year (plus Super), and we are still yet to have our first negotiation meeting.
The government’s offer is just not good enough. However, in line with our democratic processes, the offer will be put to your NSWNMA Council.
Next steps:
- 6 June: First negotiation meeting to be held
- 6 June: Spreading our message at NRLW State of Origin
- 7 June: Council meets to review government’s offer and make recommendations to branches.
- 12-13 June: Member leaders from across NSW gather for training and campaign launch
- 17-28 June: Branches will be invited to meet and consider Council’s recommendations, including any possible industrial action.
Members of the PHS Log of Claims Committee will be present on 6 June at our first official negotiations with the Ministry. The Committee will be there to reinforce our member’s demands.
Later that day, members from the Hunter and Central Coast will be at the NRLW State of Origin in Newcastle to spread the word about our fight! Branches in all other Local Health Districts are invited to hold a watch party – more information will be provided to members in the coming days.
The claim we have put to the Ministry is justified and necessary. We know nurses and midwives deserve more in 2024, and we’re committed to fighting for the improvements to pay and conditions that our members deserve.
21 May 2024
The Association is eagerly awaiting the commencement of negotiations with the Ministry of Health regarding the 2024 Award claim we served earlier this month. The claim includes a pay ask of 15% over one year (plus Super).
Last Sunday evening, the state government wrote to public service unions, including the Association, indicating its baseline position of a blanket 4% public sector pay offer (or 10.5% over three years).
We must stress that this proposal has not been made in response to our 2024 pay claim, nor is it a formal offer to the Association.
What this recent media coverage shows is that less than a month out from our state’s budget, the NSW government has failed to read the room. Stumbling at the first hurdle is not good enough when our state’s health system is at stake.
The following motion was overwhelmingly passed at our Committee of Delegates (COD) meeting today:
This COD deems the government position on pay of 19 May 2024 as a media announcement, not a genuine offer on pay for the NSWNMA in response to our claim. Our members look forward to negotiations commencing between NSWNMA and the MoH, and we will continue to fight for our claim including a 15% pay rise over 1 year.
In the past year we’ve seen other public sector workers, including paramedics and teachers, receive substantial pay increases. It is time the state government turned its full attention to nurses and midwives who have already experienced more than a decade of neglect under previous Liberal governments.
Now is our time. NSW nurses and midwives deserve more in 2024.
17 May 2024
On 17 May 2024, NSWNMA representatives met with the Ministry of Health to set out the bargaining timetable and processes for discussing your 2024 Award claim.
Your elected Log of Claims Committee members will be taking part in these negotiations when they commence.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the progress of these negotiations.
In the meantime, it is important that we keep sending our message to the NSW Treasurer: nurses and midwives deserve more in 2024.
10 May 2024
The Association served the 2024 Award claim on the Ministry of Health on Friday 10 May 2024, seeking that negotiations commence.
The draft claim was overwhelmingly endorsed by public sector branches last month. The Association is committed to fighting for the improvements to pay and conditions that members deserve, and we’re prepared for the robust conversations with government that lie ahead.
At the heart of our claim is a one year, 15% increase in pay, plus superannuation, from 1 July.
We’re also fighting for additional improvements, including:
- a 30% penalty rate for night shifts,
- increasing sick leave to 20 days,
- 100% salary packaging,
- an increase for midwives working in midwifery group practice,
- better work-life balance with consecutive rostered days off, and no changes to published rosters unless consulted.
The Association has also sought further funding for nurse-to-patient ratios to be rolled out in every ward and unit in every public hospital, across the five agreed clinical areas of emergency departments, intensive care units, medical/surgical and mental health wards, maternity and multi-purpose services, ensuring the government delivers its Safe Staffing policy in full. We’ve sought further funding to convert AiN positions to being supernumerary too
The NSWNMA Elected Officers are committed to fighting for this claim, standing side-by-side with members to ensure the government hears our message loud and clear: NSW nurses and midwives deserve more in 2024.
Resources
Posters and flyers
Resources and research
Escalating industrial action - tip sheets for members
Nurses and midwives in action
Benefits of your membership
The most significant advantage of being a member of NSWNMA is the ability to leverage the collective "strength in numbers" of our membership during negotiations for workplace terms, conditions, and industrial entitlements.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance is included in NSWNMA membership. The policy includes cover for nursing work secondary to main employment (independent contract work, short-term interstate or overseas work, or volunteer work) and also for members whose employer does not provide PII cover (or their policy fails to cover you). Additionally, if covered, you can automatically attest that you comply with the NMBA requirements if required. Members undergoing supervised practice to re-register are also covered.
Journey Accident Insurance
Journey Accident Insurance provides cover for members who are injured in an accident while travelling between their home and work. A key benefit is that it provides income replacement while members are off work due to their injuries. A 14-day waiting period applies.
Legal Advice and Representation
Membership offers the security of knowing that if you need assistance with a situation arising from work, eg. workers compensation, coroner’s inquest or professional disciplinary hearings, we will provide you with appropriate legal representation.
Workplace health and safety
Safety of members is a priority for the NSWNMA. Our workplace health and safety service provides advice that can protect you and your colleagues and if problems arise we can insist on WHS improvements on your behalf.
iLearn
Meeting your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) obligations is now even easier with iLearn – our online education portal. Get FREE access to over 200 highly visual and interactive CPD modules online you can do at your own pace, with personalised ePortfolio and CPD tracker so you can easily provide evidence to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) or Nursing and Midwifery Council of NSW (NMC) of your CPD activities if requested.
Confidential advice and assistance
Nursing and midwifery careers are stimulating, challenging and rewarding. There will be times in your career, though, when you need information, advice or assistance. In some instances this will be help that only the union is able to provide. See our Member Assistance Policy here. If you’re a member seeking advice, please contact the NSWNMA.
Professional development
As a member you can attend our range of industrial, legal and professional education programs, seminars and conferences at subsidised or reduced rates.
Discounts and Offers Program
As a member of the NSWNMA, you are eligible to access thousands of iSave program benefits, from everyday savings on fuel and groceries, to wholesale pricing at The Good Guys, to discounts on dining out, gym memberships, movie tickets and much more.
Everything to help you save on what you need and spoil yourself with what you want.
Visa assist
The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association, Unions NSW and the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre (IARC) have partnered to deliver expert immigration advice for Association members.
This expert legal advice covers all types of visas provided to workers in Australia such as student, working holiday and sponsorship visas. The service is completely confidential, free and can be given over the phone or in person. IARC also has interpreters if needed.
Scholarships
Each year members and associate members are invited to apply for education, conference and research scholarships provided by the Edith Cavell Trust. Annually the Edith Cavell Trust provides approximately $100,000 to assist members with their professional development and further studies.
Information
Every three months you’ll receive a copy of our magazine The Lamp, and you have access to Lamp Online which will keep you up to date with news of the profession and NSWNMA activities. Branch officials from your workplace can assist you with most queries relating to pay and conditions of employment. Or you can contact the Association for help with more complex or confidential issues.
Retirement
The union has ongoing involvement in the improvement of both public and industry superannuation funds. Union representatives work to ensure that your superannuation funds are focused on securing your financial future. You can also join the NSWNMA Retired Member Activist Group (RMAG).
