PMBH nurses strike over stalled pay talks Camden Haven Camden Haven News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - November 17, 2024 Over 150 frustrated nurses and midwives rallied for improved pay and working conditions on Wednesday in Port Macquarie. Photos: supplied. MORE than 150 nurses and midwives from Port Macquarie Base Hospital have protested against the Minns Government’s refusal to negotiate “a fair and equitable wage deal”. They gathered on Town Green in Port Macquarie on Wednesday morning as they joined colleagues around the state in a 24-strike. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) branch president Mark Brennan told News Of The Area that he was delighted with the turnout. “The association went into four weeks of negotiations as per the Fair Work Commission’s [orders] in good faith, and the government is putting nothing new on the table,” he said. “They are still sticking by their offer of three percent.” Nurses are seeking a 15 percent one-year pay increase. State General Secretary, Shaye Candish, said members were “sick and tired of being undervalued, overworked, and not listened to”. The strike comes a week after NSW Police officers received a pay rise of up to 40 percent – the biggest they have received in 30 years. “We are so happy that they got it,” Mr Brennan said. “They deserve it, but so do we. “The Minister and the government are constantly telling us that they haven’t got the money. “But clearly they have.” By Sue STEPHENSON
