BY IAN CROUCH
Nurses will rally outside Belmont Hospital on Wednesday afternoon calling on the government to rethink its latest pay deal.
Nurses and midwives will receive an increase of just 0.3% despite previously being promised 2.5%.
The state government recently imposed a public sector wage freeze as it works to address extra costs from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Nurses and Midwives Association says its members have been at the front line since day one of the pandemic yet they are being expected to do more work for less money.
Belmont Hospital Branch President, Rachel Howell said branch members feel outraged and deserved more support from the government.
"After relying on nurses and midwives through COVID-19, it is clear the Berejiklian Government does not value the important work we do. Not only does this decision disrespect the work we do, it sends a clear message to future nurses and midwives entering the public health system, that they are not valued," she said.
Belmont Hospital nursing staff will gather on the grass area along Croudace Bay Road at 2pm. The Association says the nurses and midwives are holding the protest in their own time.
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| Nurses have been working to the point of exhaustion during the COVID-19 pandemic Picture: Healthline |
