Nurses and midwives vote to accept pay rise and improved working conditions

THE NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) has voted to accept the NSW Government’s offer of a three percent interim wage increase and enhancements to working conditions.

“At the conclusion of the vote on the public sector interim offer from the NSW Government, branches have accepted the offer, with 88.2 percent of participating branches with Elected Delegates voting to accept the offer,” NSWNWA posted to social media.

“The offer sees Award improvements to night duty penalty rates, a right to two consecutive days off in a row, a consultation requirement before roster changes are made after rosters have been released, and no night duty immediately before annual leave unless you request it.

“It also sees an interim three percent increase for nurses and midwives, back paid to 1 July 2025.”

NSWNWA has stated it will continue with its claim for a 35 percent pay increase in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC).

“We will be advocating strongly on your behalf to have the elements of this interim offer implemented as soon as possible,” the union stated.

Night Shift Penalty rates for nurses and midwives will increase from 15 to 20 percent, effective from 1 July 2025.

The NSW Government said the decision gives public sector nurses and midwives a pay rise now, while still allowing a pathway for remaining matters to be determined by the independent IRC.

This improvement to night shift loadings and interim pay rise follows an eight percent increase to pay (inclusive of a one per cent increase to superannuation) for nurses over the first two years of the Minns Government’s term.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the vote is a “major step to addressing the chronic shortage of nurses in our hospitals”.

“We have an independent process underway to determine what we need to do to ensure NSW nurses have the pay and conditions needed, including to address the gender pay gap that exists,” he said.