Queensland nurses pause strike action after wage talks breakthrough
The Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union has announced a temporary pause in strike action following 'significant progress' in wage negotiations with Queensland Health.
The direction to pause Protected Industrial Action until September 2, was sent out to members by QNMU secretary Sarah Beaman on Thursday.
'The Deputy President of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) invoked his powers under the Industrial Relations Act 2016 and issued a formal recommendation, in the strongest possible terms, that the QNMU pause all PIA for three weeks,' Ms Beaman said.
The union and Queensland Health have been engaging in conciliation over a new EB deal through the QIRC since July 9.
Ms Beaman said the conciliation process had advanced several key sticking points in negotiations including backpay of allowances and wages, overtime payments, classification pay points, the remote area incentive nursing package, employment security, gender equality, protection of HR policies, and workplace safety.
Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union secretary Sarah Beaman. Picture: Richard Walker
However, some claims remain unresolved, including overtime for all shift workers and the endorsement of midwives' allowance.
The union has agreed to pause strike action from August 12 to September 2 as a 'good faith gesture'.
'If we are unable to secure a satisfactory outcome – or if the government does not continue to negotiate in good faith – our industrial action can resume at any time,' Ms Beaman said.
'If this happens, we will escalate to Stage 3 strike action across the state.'
The next phase depends on whether Queensland Health comes to the table with a fair deal by the deadline.
The QNMU is demanding a 13 per cent wage increase over three years, arguing that this is essential to maintain nurses as the highest paid in the nation.
The state government offered a much smaller package of 3 per cent in 2025, and 2.5 per cent in 2026 and 2027.
The offer was rejected and negotiations broke down.
Nurses and midwives initiated industrial action, refusing to perform non-clinical duties such as making beds, filing forms, delivering meals, cleaning, or entering data.
Stage 3 strike action would include work stoppages.
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5 days ago
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Queensland nurses pause strike action after wage talks breakthrough
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News. The Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union has announced a temporary pause in strike action following 'significant progress' in wage negotiations with Queensland Health. The direction to pause Protected Industrial Action until September 2, was sent out to members by QNMU secretary Sarah Beaman on Thursday. 'The Deputy President of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) invoked his powers under the Industrial Relations Act 2016 and issued a formal recommendation, in the strongest possible terms, that the QNMU pause all PIA for three weeks,' Ms Beaman said. The union and Queensland Health have been engaging in conciliation over a new EB deal through the QIRC since July 9. Ms Beaman said the conciliation process had advanced several key sticking points in negotiations including backpay of allowances and wages, overtime payments, classification pay points, the remote area incentive nursing package, employment security, gender equality, protection of HR policies, and workplace safety. Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union secretary Sarah Beaman. Picture: Richard Walker However, some claims remain unresolved, including overtime for all shift workers and the endorsement of midwives' allowance. The union has agreed to pause strike action from August 12 to September 2 as a 'good faith gesture'. 'If we are unable to secure a satisfactory outcome – or if the government does not continue to negotiate in good faith – our industrial action can resume at any time,' Ms Beaman said. 'If this happens, we will escalate to Stage 3 strike action across the state.' The next phase depends on whether Queensland Health comes to the table with a fair deal by the deadline. The QNMU is demanding a 13 per cent wage increase over three years, arguing that this is essential to maintain nurses as the highest paid in the nation. The state government offered a much smaller package of 3 per cent in 2025, and 2.5 per cent in 2026 and 2027. The offer was rejected and negotiations broke down. Nurses and midwives initiated industrial action, refusing to perform non-clinical duties such as making beds, filing forms, delivering meals, cleaning, or entering data. Stage 3 strike action would include work stoppages.
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