Last Friday, the HSU appeared before the Industrial Relations Commission about the 2024 pay rise.

The HSU informed the IRC that no progress has been made in negotiations between the HSU and the Government to reach a fair pay rise for health workers across NSW.

The IRC has set down 17 October for a conciliation about the pay rise. The issues raised at conciliation will be:

1. Health workers’ pay rises
   HSU members are calling for a meaningful annual pay rise that ensures wages address the rising cost of living.
2. Length of the Awards
   The HSU is calling for one-year Awards for all workers in NSW Health. This means members will not be locked into Awards with inadequate pay rises.
3. Members' rights to improve Awards
   The Government wants to put a clause in Health Awards that will limit the ability of workers to make additional claims during the term of the Award. HSU members will fight the inclusion of this clause because members need to be able to improve Awards when necessary.
4. Ensuring the outcome of the pay negotiations do not impact Award reform
   HSU members have been working for real Award reform to address the failure to pay and support Allied Health, and Health Services staff, leading to an attraction and retention crisis. Nothing arising out of this pay negotiation can be allowed to impact that reform project.

Core Conditions Award Reform negotiations are underway. Members across the union are continuing to meet with the Ministry of Health to negotiate Awards that are fit for purpose!

Members will be updated on progress made on 17 October.