Hospital workers in Victoria, Australia, have staged a strike to express their dissatisfaction with the government’s pay offer. On January 20, 2024, around 30 workers from Wodonga Hospital, along with staff from Beechworth and Wangaratta hospitals, walked off the job. They protested against what they describe as an inadequate wage proposal from the government.
The workers chanted, “Hey Jacinta, have a heart,” as they exited Wodonga Hospital’s Vermont Street entrance. They marched to Wilson Street, where they were addressed by David Baird, a delegate from the Health Workers Union (HWU). He emphasized the need for fair compensation, stating, “We should not have to go and do what we’re doing to get a fair and equitable pay rise.” Baird criticized Premier Jacinta Allan, alleging that she cancelled the opening of the Frankston hospital to avoid facing union members.
The union is advocating for a 6 percent pay increase over two years, while the government has proposed a 3.75 percent annual increase for the same period. This offer has been deemed insufficient in light of current inflation rates. Kathy Burns, who leads the sterilising unit at Wodonga Hospital, expressed her hope that the strike would prompt the government to take action. “If we didn’t do it, the hospital wouldn’t obtain its revenue,” she said, highlighting the critical role of support staff in hospital operations.
Among the 48 work bans imposed by the union is a suspension of revenue-related tasks, such as processing Medicare information and handling health insurance transactions. Burns argued that non-clinical staff are just as essential as doctors and nurses, stating, “Without us, they wouldn’t be able to do their job.”
Kaori Livsey, a nutrition assistant with five years of experience at Wodonga Hospital, voiced her frustration with how non-clinical staff are perceived. “We are considered unskilled workers, but we are frontline workers like everyone else,” she said. “If we don’t clean things, people will get sick.”
The strike is not without support. Livsey noted that doctors at the hospital have expressed solidarity with the striking workers. Many employees are struggling with rising living costs, making the need for a pay increase even more pressing. Livsey stated, “The future is bleak for a lot of us young ones. We can’t get into the housing market… how are we supposed to pay for a deposit?”
Anne-Marie Pearce echoed these sentiments, saying a pay rise would help her cover personal medical expenses. The union is currently in negotiations with the Victorian Hospitals Industrial Association (VHIA) with the assistance of the Fair Work Commission.
A government spokesperson refrained from commenting directly on the strike and the sought pay increase but affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting healthcare workers. “We will always back our dedicated healthcare workforce and the extraordinary care they provide to Victorians who need it most,” the spokesperson said. The Department of Health is reportedly working with the VHIA and HWU to minimize disruptions to essential patient care during this industrial action.
Contingency plans are in place to ensure that emergency care and critical clinical procedures continue despite the strike. Notably, hospital workers in Albury who hold similar roles are not affected, as they are subject to NSW award conditions, even though they are part of a cross-border health service.
