Health workers strike for fair wages

On September 23, about 200 hospital administration workers in far-north Queensland were the first to strike as part of a state-wide campaign to improve wages in Queensland Health.

The workers are members of the Queensland Public Sector Union (QPSU) and the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU). Their action builds on bans implemented in Brisbane hospitals.

The unions and members' meetings have discussed winning increases at least equal to the state's 5% inflation rate. The government's offer is 3.25% per year for three years, only three-quarters of its own estimate of average pay increases in the state. A further 0.75% per year has been offered subject to allowing the contracting out of jobs.

At the region's largest hospital, Cairns Base, more than 60 workers rallied at the start of their strike. They were addressed by local delegates Sue Craig and Klarika Tortely, QPSU regional organiser Kevin O'Sullivan, LHMU assistant state secretary Michael de Brenni and QPSU general secretary Alex Scott.

QPSU delegate Carla Gorton told Green Left Weekly: "Members are enthusiastic about the fair wages campaign. Union membership has grown at the hospital and this is the first time many administrative staff have taken strike action."

Queensland Health workers are expected to be well-represented at the September 30 combined union rallies in Brisbane, Cairns, Rockhampton, Mackay and Townsville for a fair wage rise for the state public sector.

From GLW issue 769