Nurses start work action
17-month dispute over conditions ramps up
THE region’s maternal and child health nurses will start protected industrial action today, with their fight against the City of Greater Geelong set to affect 20 centres across the region.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Victorian branch has cautioned parents may be “inconvenienced” by the action, but insists “the health and safety of children “will not be at risk”.
The first stage of action, starting this morning, includes a ban on administrative tasks, updating data, filling in electronic diaries and attending work-related meetings.
The development follows a 17-month-long dispute between workers and the City of Greater Geelong over employment conditions — in particular a desired fifth week of annual leave — which has stalled negotiations about a new enterprise agreement.
The maternal and child health nurses rejected the city’s last-minute offer to consider a fifth week of annual leave dependent on the outcome of a review of the service.
A 2.3 per cent a year wage rise over four years has been agreed.
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Vic- bargaining torian branch) secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said Geelong workers were seeking the same employment conditions as neighbouring councils, such as Wyndham.
“Nurses never take action lightly, but they’re extremely angry at the council’s refusal of basic nursing entitlements,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.
“Maternal and child health nurses reduce and prevent serious and expensive health and social problems by providing parents, babies and their families with support, education and advice.”
City of Greater Geelong director of community life Linda Quinn said the region’s 37 maternal and child health nurses received “equitable and rewarding pay and conditions that are well above modern award conditions”.
“The City’s MCH nurses are provided with great oppor- tunities for work/life balance, with generous salaries and conditions in line with the much-appreciated service they provide,” Ms Quinn said.
She said the city was working hard to minimise the effect of the industrial action on families accessing the service and would be monitoring the situation daily.
Families are encouraged to continue to use the service as planned and contact City of Greater Geelong on 5272 4741 if appointments are impacted or disrupted.