It will be the biggest wage increase in Queensland nursing for over a decade.
Members of the Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union have voted to accept a $1.8 billion wages and conditions offer from the state government, following 10 months of negotiation.
The initial offer from Queensland Health was worth just $900 million, and over the course of the 10-month enterprise bargaining agreement campaign, Queensland nurses conducted their first industrial action in 23 years.
Once certified by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, the government will implement the new pay and allowance increases, and calculate and process back pay from 1 April 2025.
QNMU secretary Sarah Beaman said Queensland Health had repeatedly threatened to strip nurses and midwives of backpay if they took protected industrial action.
“Time and again, Queensland Health underestimated you and time and again, you proved them wrong,” she said to her members.
“You proved no one should underestimate the power of nurses and midwives united to protect those in their care and the future of free care in Queensland.”
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Ms Beaman credited the “action, unity and determination” of members.
The agreement, also known as the EB12, is valid for three years and will see wages rise by 11%.
It also adds a new pay point for experienced registered nurses and midwives, which the QNMU estimates will raise the earning potential of around one in four members.
It also includes improved conditions, such as double-time overtime pay for all shift workers.
Ms Beaman said the EB12 “sets us up for greater wins in EB13 and beyond”.
“There will always be more to fight for, but right now, I ask QNMU members to please reflect on what you’ve achieved,” she said.
“Explore your new agreement and get familiar with your improved wages and conditions.”