25 May 2022
The ANMF (SA Branch) is urging workers to remain “Stronger Together” ahead of the upcoming Public Sector Enterprise Agreement.
More than 100 nurses and midwives from across the state converged on our office at Ridleyton, or joined online, to learn more about the key points of the agreement on Thursday.
It is hoped these leaders will share the information with their co-workers.
ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM said it was crucial the union had as much support as possible.
“One of the strongest things that each and every one of us can do is to have the conversation ‘Are you a member?’ If they are not, ask them to join,” Ms Dabars said.
“The reality is if people are not members, people who are members are subsidising their result. If we are not in it together then we are apart.
"Emphasising the need for solidarity and strongly urging against division and divisiveness, she went onto say, “We are stronger together. Together we can and we will achieve the positive result on our claims, ‘Ratios, Reward and Recognition’, that our members need and deserve.”
The ANMF (SA Branch) Director, Operations and Strategy, Rob Bonner said it was vital people fill out the Public Sector Enterprise Agreement survey on our website.
Mr Bonner said without member support the ANMF (SA Branch) would not have the power to negotiate change with the government.
“That is the purpose of the survey is find out what members are prepared and able to take action about if that is what is required,” he said.
“What I can say is, whether it is the amount of money, whether it is the ratios model or whether it is work health and safety and the 10-point plan, the activity that you and other members have been involved in, in terms of our campaign ahead of state and federal elections, has made a difference to the environment in which we were negotiating around those critical matters.
“It shows the power of the campaigning work that you have already done and the ability for us to harness that campaigning into the future – it will make a difference.”
One Midwife and Registered Nurse said she was excited about the changes the agreement might bring and was looking to educate the staff about what is coming up.
“I am really hoping it helps retain staff who are planning to walk out of the sector and I’m also hoping it will encourage some of the younger ones who are feeling quite disillusioned,” she said.
“There is a lot of staff in their 50s and 60s, talking about actually leaving and they’ve got so much experience.
“For a start, it is one less person that could put an IV in a very sick baby - if they all start to leave we are in dire straits.”
She said a strong Public Sector Enterprise Agreement could encourage nurses and midwives to stay in their profession.
“The basics of not having to do a double shift, not having to skip meal breaks in a double shift, being able to have a tea break without being timed, being able to finish work late without being accused of being disorganised and being paid the pay they deserve,” she said.
One of the Worksite Representatives was “encouraged by the log of claims being put forward”.
She said she would be encouraging her co-workers to take an interest and get involved.
“If they care at all about their conditions and pay, they need to get on the ANMF (SA Branch) website, find the survey and fill it in,” she said.
“It is really important otherwise they can’t complain about anything after if they haven’t done that.
Another WSR said she was pleased she attended the session.
“Being here today has given me a chance to see what direction the union is going to put forward for us to move with the EB Agreement,” she said.
“I’m now able to bring across into my ward area the three main areas we will be working in the EB Agreement and I am hoping I can educate people on how they can participate and disseminate information.”
And another attendee said the session was informative.
“We will be taking back to our members to really get involved in the EB agreement because it benefits everybody,” he said.
“If you do not do anything, if we don’t work together, we won’t get anything, that is the nature of the beast.”