Gold Coast nurses and midwives will rally for safer conditions and fair pay outside John Flynn Private Hospital today.
Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union (QNMU) Secretary Beth Mohle said QNMU members voted to rally for a fair wage rise and minimum nurse-to-patient ratios following protracted negotiations that are yet to result in a fair offer.
There are currently no minimum ratios at John Flynn Private Hospital or any other Ramsay Health-owned facilities.
Ms Mohle said Enterprise Bargaining (EB) negotiations had been underway at John Flynn Hospital since July 2019. She said Ramsay needed to reveal their wage offer for hard working staff.
QNMU members recently voted to rally outside the facility. The QNMU is seeking a wage rise that ensures parity with public sector rates and meets the ever-increasing costs of living.
“Nurses and midwives at John Flynn Private Hospital are demanding a fair wage, as well as the introduction of nurse-to-patient ratios to better protect those in their care,” Ms Mohle said.
“Ratios save lives, and all Queensland patients deserve the same level of care. The Queensland Government made ratios law for public hospitals in 2016 and the QNMU and its members continue to campaign for similar laws in Queensland’s private hospitals.
“In addition, Ramsay need to reveal their wage offer for hard working staff. Refusing to provide a wage rise figure is an insult to their frontline staff who continue to meet incredible challenges linked to the ongoing pandemic, population growth and associated demand.
“These nurses and midwives are exhausted, stretched to breaking and they deserve a pay rise that reflects their incredible efforts, both during COVID and every day.”
The rally will take place outside the facility at John Flynn Private Hospital, 42 Inland Drive at Tugun
between 12pm and 1pm.
The QNMU asks media please acknowledge the courage of rallying staff by not approaching or attempting to identify individuals. The QNMU will speak on behalf of members to ensure they don’t face work-related repercussions for attending the protected industrial event.
The outcome of EB negotiations at John Flynn Private Hospital could prompt similar QNMU rallies at other Ramsay Health private hospitals in Southeast Queensland.
Media contact: 0411 254 390