Thousands of allied health professionals working in Victoria’s public hospitals took part in a 24-hour strike on August 11 to demand better pay and working conditions.
Members of Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association (VAPHA) gathered outside the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, in Parkville, where they heard from delegates and union officials.
Workers at the protest told Green Left that one of the main reasons for the strike was because allied health workers “need better working conditions and a genuine pay offer that keeps up with inflation”.
Julia, a delegate at Bendigo Health, spoke about the challenges of working in rural healthcare, where it is hard to retain staff. She said “everyone deserves to have access to high-quality care” and that the Victorian government’s refusal to value healthcare professionals will have a disproportionate impact on rural areas.
Andrew Hewat, an executive officer for VAHPA, said the government has “boxed us into a corner” and that “healthcare workers are being disrespected by not giving a genuine offer”.
VAHPA is campaigning for a 38.16% pay rise over three years, but Labor’s latest offer is reportedly only about 19–21% over four years.
[Jacob Andrewartha is the Socialist Alliance candidate for Pascoe Vale in the Victorian elections in November.]
