The Victorian Government has made a welcome above-inflation pay offer in a move to end the long-running dispute with healthcare workers.
After 15 months of negotiations and below-inflation wages offers, the HWU has now been sent a proposed wages deal it will be proud to recommend to members.
The deal proposes a 12% increase over two-and-a-half years.
The HWU’s Lead Organiser Jake McGuinness said the breakthrough comes after the personal intervention of the Premier, Jacinta Allan.
“The Premier’s intervention has delivered a much-needed investment in low-paid healthcare workers and recognition of the essential role they play across Victoria’s health system.”
The wages offer now must be formally presented to HWU members for approval before it can be lodged with Fair Work Australia.
Mr McGuinness said today’s planned industrial action will still proceed and the union will continue to advocate fearlessly in members’ interests.
“This dispute isn’t over until we’ve signed on the dotted line,” he said.
“But we’re closer to a deal now that we’ve been in over a year.”