Victorian nurses and midwives are set to get a significant pay increase after a revised deal was accepted by the representing union.
The 28.4 per cent pay rise over four years will boost allowances and night shift penalties thanks to today’s agreement, which ended months of negotiations and industrial action.
Workers will pocket the full wage increase by November 2027.
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The agreement will also improve gender wage equity and working conditions.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said it was a “once-in-a-generation” pay increase.
“We’ll always back our nurses and midwives and the extraordinary work they do to keep each and every one of us healthy and safe,” she said.
The state government will consequently be billed $1 billion, which will be passed onto taxpayers, but the union said it was money well spent.
“Very good value for money,” Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation state secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said.
Premier Jacinta Allan agreed, adding that the increase was well deserved.
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”It’s a win for all Victorians, because better paid nurses and midwives means a better health system,” she said.
Allan said the increased wages would also improve the ability to retain and recruit healthcare workers.
The agreement comes after widespread industrial action and the shock decision from members to vote down a previous offer over concerns the terms were uncertain.
Nurses and midwives welcomed the news at a union meeting today, with some saying the extra pay will help families struggling with the cost of living pinch.
“Real happy we won. Finally our hard work has been recognised,” one nurse told 9News.
“Thank you, Victoria, thank you very much,” another said.
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