Frustrated by further bargaining delays, hundreds of nurses and midwives at two major private hospitals in Sydney will take protected stop work action for a second time next week.
Seeking fair pay and shift by shift staffing ratios, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) members at North Sydney’s Mater Private Hospital and St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Darlinghurst will walk off the job for several hours next Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish, said the sentiment amongst members had only increased over the holiday season and acknowledged they were fed up being taken for granted by their employer.
“St Vincent’s Health Australia had the opportunity to address our members concerns after hundreds participated in their first protected industrial action on 22 December, but instead of negotiating with us in good faith, SVHA has continued with a stall and delay approach,” said Ms Candish.
“What our members are seeking is not unreasonable given the growing demands being placed upon them, shift after shift. These nurses and midwives come to work to deliver safe care to all their patients, but current staffing levels are preventing them from doing this.
“Our members have been wearing their union scrub tops and appealing to the community about the need for nurse and midwife to patient ratios, as well as a pay offer that addresses rising cost of living pressures.
“The community is supportive and agree nurses and midwives are more than deserving of being heard and have begun signing up to a local campaign.”
As part of next week’s protected industrial actions, NSWNMA members at Mater Private Hospital will ban requests for overtime for 12 hours from midday on 1 February, while members at St Vincent’s Private Hospital will ban overtime requests for 24 hours on 2 February. Members are also continuing to refuse domestic duties at both hospitals.
Night shift staffing will be maintained in all wards and units during the stop work action on both days.
Download this release: Second protected action by private nurses and midwives
