Latest news with #ProtectedIndustrialAction
Courier-Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Courier-Mail
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.
Perth Now
04-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
No star review for 'insulting' casino workers pay offer
Workers will take protected industrial action against a casino operator for the first time after an "insulting" pay offer. Hundreds of staff will on Friday protest outside the Star at Queen's Wharf in Brisbane after voting against the company's offer. Union representatives say the deal short-changes workers on wages and conditions after they have shown unwavering support to the struggling venue. "They're taking that action in response to what's been an insulting offer from the company," United Workers Union national president Jo Schofield said. "They've shown a commitment to this company and loyalty over what's been an incredibly tumultuous period." A four per cent pay offer is on the table for workers with cuts to Sunday penalty rates, Ms Schofield said. It leaves workers behind other casino operators across Australia, the union said. Kaine Kennedy is a bartender at the casino and is paid 60 cents above the minimum wage, with the same job at the Star Sydney paying $2 more per hour. "That's the kind of discrepancy we're talking about," he told reporters. "The offer that's coming from the company right now is one that leaves our wages below pre-COVID levels ... in real terms, and if you account for inflation, it won't even catch us up with what we were getting paid in 2021. "It's just totally unacceptable." A spokesperson for The Star said the group is doing "everything possible" to secure future financial security for its workers, customers, suppliers, investors and other stakeholders. "The Star Brisbane has been in long and challenging EA negotiations with unions," the spokesperson said. "We have been flexible, diligent and measured in making an offer that adds wage growth for team members whilst absolutely stretching the financials of the business. "We are disappointed that Protected Industrial Action will be taken - as this action impacts all visitors that arrive at The Star Brisbane seeking memorable hospitality experiences." Brisbane's flagship casino has around 2000 workers. It is owned by Star Entertainment Group, which was in April saved from entering administration by a $300 million rescue package from US gaming giant Bally's Corporation. Throughout Star's financial woes, the Queensland government has routinely said its focus is on workers at the Brisbane casino.
