01-07-2025
Frontline health workers warn of mass industrial action while Queensland health calls in the industrial commission to mediate pay talks
Queensland's health system is on the brink of widespread disruption as the Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union (QNMU) threatens to escalate industrial action - with thousands of nurses and midwives prepared to walk away from non-clinical duties starting next week.
The dramatic escalation comes after months of failed enterprise bargaining talks between the QNMU and the LNP state government, which have now been referred to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) in a bid to break the deadlock.
Queensland Health has asked the QIRC to mediate wage negotiations, marking a significant move which signals a lack of confidence in reaching a resolution through internal discussions alone.
In a statement on Monday, Health Minister Tim Nicholls confirmed his department's request for intervention.
'We remain at the table to finalise an agreement,' he said.
The QNMU, which represents more than 57,000 frontline workers, has pushed for a 13 per cent pay rise over three years – rejecting the government's offer of an 11 per cent rise made up of a 3 per cent increase in 2025, followed by 2.5 per cent in 2026 and 2027, plus a proposed four-month pay incentive at the end of the deal.
Union secretary Sarah Beaman welcomed the QIRC's involvement but made it clear that protected strike action would proceed.
'Following 36 EB12 negotiation meetings and around 150 hours of bargaining with the LNP state government, we will not slow down, or halt protected industrial action,' she said.
'Our members are understandably furious at the government's stalling and backtracking.'
Beaman accused the state government of 'gaslighting' health workers and failing to honour its campaign promise of delivering 'nation-leading pay and conditions'.
'Nurses and midwives have had enough of the government's poor offers and attempt to erode their pay and conditions,' she said.
'We will not be gas lit, lied to or taken for fools.'
The next stage of protected action – scheduled to begin Monday – would see thousands of union members refuse to perform tasks that do not impact patient care, including moving beds, completing paperwork, cleaning, and delivering meals.
Strike escalation details will be communicated to Queensland Health with at least three business days' notice.
Negotiations collapsed late last week, with the union claiming the government pulled 'the rug out from under us' during what was expected to be the final round of talks.
Despite two rejected offers from the government, the QNMU maintains it has bargained in good faith.
'Over the past two weeks, the QNMU has again engaged in intensive, good-faith negotiations in what was yet another attempt to secure an agreement that recruits, retains and respects frontline public nurses and midwives,' Beaman said.
The QNMU first launched industrial action in June - the first time in 20 years - after the government's offer was deemed inadequate.
If the QIRC is unable to resolve the dispute within a reasonable timeframe, the matter may proceed to arbitration.
