Workers from the Health Services Union (HSU) organised a snap action outside University Hospital Geelong on May 27, calling for a fair pay rise amid growing concerns about job security.
The HSU includes a range of allied health professionals, including medical scientists, hospital pharmacists, psychologists and dietitians.
The union has been trying to secure a new agreement with the Victorian Labor government for more than 14 months. Members are seeking a gender equity wage rise of 28% over four years, similar to the significant wage rise secured by Victorian nurses in 2024, along with better career progression and improved support for professional development.
Members say they are yet to receive a meaningful pay and conditions offer; the government is only offering the standard 3% a year rise — less than inflation.
Renae Munzel, a HSU member taking protected action, told the rally “We are a female dominated workforce, we have a female premier and a female minister but we don’t need symbolism, we need a fair deal.”
The union’s claim follows on the Fair Work Commission’s Gender-based undervaluation — priority awards review. It found female-dominated health professions have experienced historic wage suppression.
Members have been escalating their industrial action for several months and are currently working to rule — only providing explicitly required duties and not undertaking the unpaid overtime and additional work they are routinely directed to perform.
Munzel said “there will be a 24-hour strike” if no agreement is reached by mid-June.
“The system is depending on our goodwill and free labour, to work through our breaks and understaffing. It’s not sustainable. We are professionals who keep patients alive and safe.”
The action also highlights how heavily Victoria’s public health system relies on workers consistently going above and beyond their formal roles.
Hospital pharmacists, employed by Barwon Health and working at St John of God Hospital, were told earlier this year that they would be made redundant because of the loss of the pharmacy services contract. Four months on, the pharmacy team workers remain uncertain about their jobs with Barwon Health; many highly skilled pharmacists may be forced look for work outside the region.
Matt Hammond, HSU Vic No 4 branch secretary, said that workers are becoming frustrated by the lengthy bargaining process and ongoing job uncertainty.
He said workers expected negotiations would move forward with the appointment of a new health minister, but that has not happened.
“Our members are tired of being undervalued while continuing to hold the system together through unpaid work and goodwill. Barwon Health pharmacy staff have been left in limbo for months, uncertain whether they have a future within the service despite ongoing workforce shortages.”
Hammond confirmed that HSU members will continue their industrial action until the Jacinta Allan government puts forward a genuine wage offer.
