Nurses working for Serco Australia Pty Ltd (‘Serco’) under their Australian Defence Force (ADF) Health Services contract will vote on taking industrial action against their employer, in pursuit of reaching a ‘substantially improved’ Enterprise Agreement which truly recognises and values the nursing workforce, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) announced today.
The ANMF and Serco have been bargaining for an Enterprise Agreement to replace the Serco – ADF Health Services Contract (AHSC) Nurses’ Collective Agreement 2019, which expired on 31 October, 2021.
ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler said Serco’s initial pay offer of 1.45% for three years with no backpay, was rejected by ANMF members, who were ‘angry and disappointed’ that it failed to recognise and value the nursing workforce.
“To say that our members are incensed with Serco’s offer, which is well-below the expected inflation rate, would be a huge understatement. They describe it as ‘a slap in the face’ for their hard work which does nothing to acknowledge their dedication and commitment throughout the COVID pandemic,” Ms Butler said.
“In our survey, members said they were angry and disappointed and they made it clear that Serco must substantially improve their pay offer in order for nurses to vote in favour of a new Enterprise Agreement.
“With our members indicating they want to take action and in support of reaching an Enterprise Agreement with Serco, the ANMF is now holding a Protected Action Ballot to be conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).
“Voting yes in the ballot to endorse protected industrial action will send Serco a clear message they need to make a much-improved offer that recognises and values their nursing workforce.”
ANMF media release authorised by Annie Butler, ANMF Federal Secretary. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne.
The ANMF, with over 310,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing in Australia.
