We have good news – in your fortnightly pay on Wednesday 24 May, Queensland Health and Department of Education nurses and midwives received a one-off payment equivalent to 3% of your base wage. 

That’s thanks to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) payment, which the QNMU negotiated as part of your EB11 agreement last year.

In December 2022, you received your first 4% increase to your wages and allowances, which was backdated to 1 April 2022. In April this year you received the second 4% increase.  

The COLA payment is to be paid by July each year for the next three years (although QH has processed it earlier this year), and will be a lump sum equal to the difference between the inflation rate and the wage increase for the preceding year, up to a maximum of 3% per year.

The 3% calculation on your base wages does factor in higher duties allowance and casual loading, but does not include shift or weekend penalties, overtime or any other allowances.

For more information on the COLA payment, please read through these FAQs carefully. Queensland Health has also provided you with further FAQs, which are available through QHEPS. 

As well as receiving the COLA payment in your fortnightly pay on Wednesday 24 May, eligible employees will also receive backpay for the additional pay point for Nurse Grade 6, Band 2, backdated to 1 April 2022.

The QNMU worked hard throughout EB11 negotiations to improve your wages. The initial offer was a 2.5% increase per year. Thanks to members taking action, however, the government lifted its wages policy to 4%, 4% and 3% for the three-year agreement, plus the COLA payments.  

If you do not receive your COLA payment on 24 May 2023, please contact payroll by lodging an enquiry through myHR. You can also visit www.qnmu.org.au/EB11 for more information about your EB11 agreement.