18 November 2022
MEDIA RELEASE
Thousands of Public Sector nurses and midwives have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new Enterprise Agreement which will see total remuneration increases of 13 to 14 per cent for most members in the two year and nine-month life of the agreement.
Much of those increases are to be received in the first two years when inflation is expected to be at the highest levels.
Three successive yearly wage increases of three per cent are supplemented by two additional payments of $1500 in the first two years of the Agreement. The Continuing Professional Development allowance (designed to facilitate increased nursing expertise) more than doubles with $400 p.a. increases as well as agreement to index the allowance by salary increases now and in the future.
We have also been able to achieve substantial car parking savings for members, along with free public transport.
The Agreement also includes a number of review provisions, which commit the parties to developing new strategies, entitlements and provisions around retention recognition and staffing. These review provisions contain deadlines which will enable the ANMF (SA Branch) to hold the Government to account and give members certainty around the delivery of outcomes.
“The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (SA Branch) Executive, Council, Staff and Worksite Representatives have worked tirelessly to be able to secure a new Agreement which protects and extends nursing and midwifery wages and conditions over the coming years,’’ ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM said.
“This Agreement positions nursing and midwifery well at a time when we need to attract and retain as many people within the professions as possible.’’
Our key goals, endorsed by members at the outset of this round of bargaining, were:
Ratios: To transition our existing staffing provisions in preparation for the ratios legislation to be enacted in the first term of the new State Government;
Rewards: To provide for increased remuneration and improved conditions of employment in a period of growing inflation; and
Recognition: To provide a starting point to address key WHS issues – violence and fatigue - and to deal with workforce development at a time of shortages locally and around the world.
“Thanks to the united position of members, and strong and effective negotiations led by the ANMF (SA Branch) team, we have been able to achieve a strong outcome,’’ Ms Dabars said.
“Members should feel very proud of this achievement, especially in a climate of great uncertainty for many in the community.’’