13 October 2022
After six months of intense negotiations, the ANMF (SA Branch) has finally received an offer from the Government that is set to secure nurses and midwives a substantial pay rise, incentive payments and improved working conditions.
The State Government’s Enterprise Agreement offer includes wage increases of three per cent in real terms to apply from January 1st on each year of the three-year agreement.
There will be $1500 one-off payments both this year and next, while the current CPD allowance of $1200 will be increased by $400 per year over the three-year agreement.
Attraction and retention payments and incentives for country areas will be finalised and then incorporated into the agreement.
“This proposed agreement offers us a very solid foundation for wages and conditions over the coming years,” said ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM.
ANMF (SA Branch) Exec. Director, Operations Rob Bonner said there are three key elements of the agreement – Ratios, Reward and Recognition.
“Ratios will ultimately work in live time, so every shift, every day will determine what that staffing profile must look like,” Mr Bonner said.
“I know country members have been arguing for years that the systems of the compliance should be the same across the state – this agreement delivers that.”
Importantly the agreement will see the implementation of the 10-point plan to address violence nurses and midwives are encountering in the workplace.
“There will be a legal obligation for Local Health Networks and hospitals across the state to implement its measures during the life of this agreement,” Mr Bonner said.
Car parking has been factored into agreement as well, providing nurses and midwives with savings of about $550 per year.
“We have sought to resolve that with a maximum charge of $2.50 per day operating from the 1st of October this year,” Mr Bonner said.
“Free public transport will also be available when they produce their health service identification."
The ANMF (SA Branch) is now seeking your feedback on whether to progress the offer before the Annual Delegates Conference scheduled for Wednesday, October 19.
Please note: The opportunity to vote in a formal ballot will commence in the coming weeks based on the feedback.
“We believe that total remuneration increases of more than four per cent per year provide a very sound basis for accepting the offer, along with the other significant improvements to working conditions and allowances,” Mr Bonner said.
Ms Dabars and officers will visit several hospitals over the coming days to assist in identifying and responding to questions you may have about the agreement.
“Please encourage your colleagues and your friends in providing that feedback – it really is crucial,” Ms Dabars said.
Click here to read the Letter Of Offer Share your feedback here