The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) last Friday (9 February) to increase wages for nurses, midwives, and assistants in nursing (AIN) by up to 35%.
The claim has been made on the basis that nurses' and midwives' work has never been properly valued, and that any recognition given to Aged Care Workers in the Aged Care Work Value case should be extended to all nurses, midwives and AINs covered by Awards.
In November 2022, the FWC granted direct aged care workers, including nurses, a 15% pay rise.
Data submitted by the ANMF to the FWC earlier this year, revealed wages for nurses working in aged care would exceed those of nurses working in the public health system if the 18% increase Aged Care Work Value claim by the ANMF is approved.
"It’s only fair that nurses, midwives and AINs, covered by the national Award, get, recognition for their demanding work, regardless of the healthcare setting,” said ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler (pictured above) last week.
"We contend that award rates are set too low, stemming from the historic, gender-based undervaluation of nursing and midwifery care work.
"The nature of their work has changed dramatically in the last decades, it’s more complex and the settings in which they work, more varied. The need for nursing and midwifery care has expanded, as people live longer and with greater levels of chronic disease.
“The training, skill and responsibility required to deliver that quality care has grown commensurately with the ever-changing demands of the healthcare system.
"The ANMF says it is time the work of nurses, midwives and AINs is properly recognised and valued. This Application will instigate that change.”
A decision on Phase 3 of the FWC's Aged Care Work Value Case, which includes further increases for direct care workers such as nurses, as well increases for indirect care workers who missed out on any increase in Phases 1 and 2, is expected by late March 2024.
