Thousands of healthcare workers from across Victoria went on strike on February 18 to demand better pay and conditions after more than a year of unsuccessful enterprise bargaining talks with the Jacinta Allan Labor government.
The strike was led by the Health Workers Union (HWU) which covers front-line workers in state hospitals, including cooks, cleaners, orderlies, theatre technicians, security guards, ward clerks, allied health assistants and phlebotomists.
This is the third protected strike action healthcare workers have taken that has been taken over the course of negotiations with the Allan government.
Thousands rallied at Footscray Park before marching to the new Footscray Hospital ahead of its grand opening. Speakers included HWU officials, Victorian Trades Hall secretary Luke Hilakari and two delegates.
Bronwyn, a hospital worker and delegate at Footscray Hospital condemned Victorian Labor for investing billions into upgrading the hospital while only offering “peanuts” to workers. She said “this vital hospital would not function without us”.
It was announced at the rally that, in response to the strike, the Allan government has offered a 12% pay increase over two-and-a-half years.
This is an improvement from the government’s previous offer of a 9% increase over three years, which was rejected by 98% of the membership.
The new offer will be taken to HWU members to be voted on.
Lead HWU organiser Jake McGuinness told the rally that one issue with the proposed agreement is that “backpay to workers isn’t guaranteed”. He reiterated that in the next bargaining period they will fight even harder for a better agreement.
