NSW Nurses Seek Higher Night Shift Pay
Type: Media Releases Subject: General
3 May 2009
The NSW Industrial Relations Commission (NSW IRC) is tomorrow (May 4) scheduled to start hearing evidence supporting increased night shift pay for NSW public hospital nurses and midwives.
The NSW Nurses' Association (NSWNA) wants night shift penalty rates increased from the current 15 per cent to 25 per cent and night shift penalty rates also to apply on weekends.
If successful, night penalty rates for most clinical nurses and midwives (Level One, Year Eight) will increase from $5.05 per hour, or $192 per week, to $8.40 an hour, or $320.00 per week. – a pay rise of nearly $130.00 per week for these registered nurses and midwives doing a full week of night shift.
NSW IRC Nurses’ Night Shift Case Details
(as at 3 May 2009)
Venue:
Industrial Relations Commission of NSW
Courtroom 4.1
Level 4,
47 Bridge Street, Sydney
Normal sitting times10.00am – 4.00pm
Evidence for NSW Nurses Association
|
Date |
Witness |
| Monday 4 May | · Professor Ron Grunstein, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research · Stephanie Shean, Industrial Officer, NSWNA |
| Tuesday 5 May | · Dr Shantha Rajaratnam, Monash University · Grant Isedale, NUM, ED, Campbelltown Hospital · Donna Garland, MUM, Birthing Unit, Bankstown Hospital |
| Wednesday 6 May | · Deborah Ponig, RN Paediatric Unit, Bowral Hospital · Gail Hanger, NUM, HDU, Bowral Hospital · Karen Featon, RN, ED Campbelltown Hospital · Diane McCarthy, NUM, Aged Care Rehabilitation Unit, POWH |
Evidence for NSW Department of Health
|
Date |
Witness |
| Thursday 7 May | · Chris Kewley, Area DON, Hunter New England AHS · Trevor Craft, Deputy Director, Workplace Relations and Management Branch, NSW Health Department |
| Monday 11 May | · Trevor Craft, Deputy Director, Workplace Relations and Management Branch, NSW Health Department |
NSWNA General Secretary, Brett Holmes, said night duty penalty rates for NSW public hospital nurses have not been increased since 1975 and a lot more evidence now exists on the social and personal impact of working night shifts.
“The NSWNA does not believe the current rate of 15 per cent fairly and adequately compensates nurses for the social, domestic and health disadvantages experienced when they work night shift.
“It is also way behind the rate now paid in other Australian States and Territories. This contributes to the ongoing problem of retaining and recruiting nurses in the NSW public hospital system. Mandatory shift work is one reason nurses give for leaving nursing.
The current rates across the country are:
New South Wales 15%
South Australia 19.5%
Queensland 20%
Victoria 20% - 26%
Northern Territory 22.5%
ACT 22.5%
Tasmania 25%
Western Australia 35%
“Various studies in recent years indicate shiftworkers have increased risks of serious health problems including breast cancer, cardio-vascular disease, gastro-intestinal disorders and reproductive health problems. Professor Grunstein will provide evidence on this.
“Other studies show a range of social disadvantages arising from working night shifts or rotating shifts. These include family disruption, social dislocation and isolation, and elevated rates of marital breakdown. Dr Rajaratnam will give evidence on this.
“The nurse witnesses will outline the problems experienced by nurses working night shifts or rotating rosters, which include poor sleep, a range of health and mood problems, and significant social and family disruption.
They will also outline the extreme reluctance of most nurses to work night shift and the difficulties associated with rostering in these circumstances,” Mr Holmes said.
Contact details
NSW Nurses' AssociationPh: 02 8595 1234
Fax: 02 9550 3667
gensec@nswnurses.asn.au
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