Lake Macquarie Private Hospital Staff Join Ramsay Nurses in Industrial Action
Ramsay Nurses and Midwives in NSW Take Historic Industrial Action Over Pay and Conditions
In an unprecedented move, Ramsay nurses and midwives across New South Wales, including those at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, have begun protected industrial action over pay and working conditions. This marks the first time in history that Ramsay staff have resorted to such measures, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction among healthcare workers.
The decision comes after 72% of Ramsay staff rejected the company’s second pay offer, which included a 12.5% wage increase. Many nurses and midwives argue that the offer fails to meet the rising cost of living and falls short of inflation rates, leaving them struggling in the current economic climate.
Beyond pay, safe staffing ratios are another critical issue in the ongoing dispute. Ramsay Health Care’s refusal to commit to these ratios is raising serious concerns among healthcare workers, who warn that patient safety is at risk as a result. Nurses and midwives stress that while they remain committed to providing emergency care, this industrial action is a last resort in their push for safer and fairer working conditions.
The industrial action follows 16 months of negotiations, with workers expressing frustration over Ramsay’s failure to present a reasonable offer. Comparisons have also been drawn between the pay of Ramsay nurses and midwives in Queensland, who earn up to 14% more than their counterparts in NSW. This wage disparity has led to concerns that more healthcare workers may leave for the public sector or other private operators offering better pay and conditions.
Despite Ramsay Health Care reporting nearly $900 million in profits, nurses and midwives feel that the company is not investing enough in its staff. As the industrial action continues, the focus remains on pushing for improvements in both pay and patient safety, with hopes that Ramsay will return to the negotiating table with a fairer offer.