NSW nurses and midwives have rejected a second offer from Ramsay Health Care, continuing their industrial action for improved salary and conditions.
On August 20, 78 per cent of Ramsay Health Care nurses and midwives refused an offer for a 12.5 per cent pay increase over the next three years. This is the second offer to be turned down in the last four months.
Claire Nash, a member of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA), has supported and educated new mothers in the Postnatal Ward at Ramsay’s Westmead Private Hospital for over 12 years. She said the overwhelming ‘no’ vote should make it clear to Ramsay Management that their nurses and midwives are serious.
“We are united, we are strong, we know what is right for ourselves and our patients and we’re willing to fight for it,” Ms Nash said.
“We have been in negotiations with Ramsay for over 16 months and they are yet to make us a fair offer.
“Ramsay cannot keep acting like they don’t know what we want. With an after-tax profit of almost $900 million, we know they can afford safe staffing and a fair pay rise.”
The NSWNMA has asked for an 18 per cent pay increase over the next three years as well as improved working conditions, including amended nurse-to-patient ratios.
Claire Nash said that safe staffing ratios allow nurses to provide the high-quality care which patients deserve whilst ensuring staff are receiving the meal and bathroom breaks they are entitled to.
“How can we give adequate care and support when we’re run off our feet and are exhausted, hungry and haven’t had a bathroom break in nearly eight hours or more?” Ms Nash said.
“I get home from a 12-hour shift, where I don’t get to see my children at all that day, completely exhausted, frustrated at having to choose between providing great care and taking breaks to eat or use the bathroom, angry at the lack of acknowledgement and support from Ramsay and anxious at the thought of the next shift and what I could be walking into.”
Claire Nash was among many nurses of Westmead Private Hospital to stop work for four hours on August 16, resulting in several operating theatres closing. This was one of several strikes, across NSW hospitals in the last few months.
Claire Nash striking with the nurses of Ramsay’s Westmead Private Hospital.
Jennifer Slater, a Clinical Nurse at Ramsay’s Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, also participated in industrial action, striking on the July 29 for fair pay and improved staffing ratios.
“We are ready for a fight, and we will not quit until we get the recognition we deserve,” Ms Slater said.
Ramsay Health Care is currently Australia’s largest private hospital operator, with more than 70 operating centres. The company said they were disappointed with the rejection of the second proposed enterprise agreement but respected the decision of its nurses and midwives.
“A yes vote would have ensured a new agreement and a six per cent increase next year,” a Ramsay Health spokesperson told the ABC.
“We will take some time to carefully consider the outcome of the ballot and determine next steps.”