Hundreds of nurses and midwives working for the country’s largest private hospital operator have walked off the job for 24 hours and stage a major rally in Sydney, during Ramsay Health Care’s Annual General Meeting.
NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) members from 17 Ramsay hospitals across the state have taken part in the strike action, which saw a section of Elizabeth Street in the CBD shut down.
NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish, said it was time Ramsay shareholders stood up for nurses and midwives who were critical to the operations of the multinational company.
“After 20 months of negotiations and 18 bargaining meetings, we have not reached an agreement with Ramsay, with two pay offers being voted down by the majority of staff,” said Ms Candish.
“Members began protected industrial action in July and have held more than 50 strikes across the state, demanding fair pay and improvements to conditions, including safe staffing reforms.
“Last financial year, Ramsay turned over almost $900 million dollars in profit. We know they can afford to pay our hardworking nurses and midwives what they’re worth, by funding a pay rise that addresses inflation and cost of living pressures.
“Ramsay cannot continue to put profits before staff and patients any longer. If it does, it risks losing more nurses and midwives to other areas of the industry or to leave altogether.”
Ms Candish said it was unacceptable Ramsay nurses and midwives in NSW made up to 14% less than their counterparts in Queensland for doing the same work.
“Our members are demanding a 20% pay increase over three years and mandated nurse/midwife to patient ratios across all wards and units in Ramsay hospitals,” said Ms Candish.
“We’re urging Ramsay to come to the table and resolve this long-running pay dispute before Christmas, for the sake of all shareholders.
“We’re calling on all Ramsay shareholders to stand up for nurses and midwives and back a fair and reasonable pay increase, as well as mandated staffing ratios, so Ramsay patients across NSW receive the quality care they deserve.”
