Opal HealthCare staff who are members of the Health Services Union, which represents care staff in NSW, the ACT and QLD, have pledged to back the provider's current 10.07% pay offer in order to "lock in" improved wages and conditions.

This is in contrast to the NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association (NSWNMA) which is demanding an 18%, pay increase over three years, together with 20 days sick leave, and want the provider to meet the mandated 200 care minute requirement in all its homes. 

A survey of HSU members last week showed 55% were in favour of backing the offer, and at an HSU members' meeting agreed to encourage voting in support of the proposal, according to a statement from HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes.

"HSU members noted that while some of our claims were not fully met, the new wage offer (including back pay to 1 July 2023) and the significantly improved conditions represented a much better deal than the last proposal, and was acceptable to members," the statement said.

Voting closes on 23 August. If a majority vote in favour of the proposed Enterprise Agreement, the planned NSWNMA industrial action will not proceed.

Opal HealthCare is Australia's largest residential aged care provider, with 133 aged care homes.

Protected industrial action has been ongoing at Australia's largest Not For Profit aged care provider Bolton Clarke since July.