After months of negotiations and protected industrial action, Queensland’s public sector nurses and midwives have voted to accept a new pay deal, which includes an 11% pay rise over three years and overtime paid at double time for all shift workers.
QNMU Secretary Sarah Beaman commended thousands of frontline union members who stood strong and united in the face of Queensland Health threats during the standoff.
“The incredible collective strength of QNMU members has returned a wages and conditions offer worth $1.8 billion for Queensland Health’s more than 60,000 nurses and midwives,” Ms Beaman said.
“When this epic, ten-month EB12 campaign began, the initial state government offer stood at $900 million. It also included the attempted removal of rights and conditions that would have eroded the future of free health care statewide.”
Ms Beaman applauded QNMU members for staying united in their fight.
“They attended meetings, shared their stories, conducted the first industrial action in 23 years, and stood shoulder-to-shoulder throughout this campaign,” she said.
“You proved no one should underestimate the power of nurses and midwives united to protect those in their care and the future of free care in Queensland.”
The EB12 agreement will now progress to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) for certification, which typically takes a few weeks. Once certified, QH and Department of Education (DoE) payroll teams will implement new pay and allowance increases and calculate and process back pay from 1 April 2025.
“Because you stood strong, you and thousands of your colleagues will receive considerable pay increases, back pay and improved conditions. You will know your actions helped guide and protect the future of free care and the wellbeing of Queenslanders statewide.”
