Nurses and Midwives meet over failure to receive an offer

MEDIA DOORSTOP

WHERE: ROYAL HOBART HOSPITAL – COLLINS STREET (OPPOSITE MANTRA)     

WHEN: 2:15pm Tuesday, 22 September

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) will today hold a mass member meeting at the Royal Hobart Hospital to provide members with an update on the progress of the bargaining process for their new nurses and midwives agreement.

The ANMF has been negotiating since April 2026 and presented a log of 73 claim items that have been developed following extensive member feedback.

ANMF Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd said it has taken considerable time to provide the context and the rationale for these claim items and it is only right that members claim items are presented and heard at the bargaining table.

“The ANMF is always solution-focussed, as are our members, which is why they have provided a large range of solution focussed claim items to not only improve conditions and entitlements but to improve patient care and the health system.

“During negotiations the ANMF has engaged, in good faith, in negotiating on key claim items and considering proposed claim clauses.

“However, we have reached a stage in bargaining where a presenting this progress to members was now necessary. The ANMF accepted that there would be a two week pause in negotiations whilst a proposed offer was worked through.”

Ms Shepherd said despite negotiations being paused for two weeks and members anticipating an offer at today’s meeting, an offer has not been forthcoming.

“It is extremely disappointing that despite months of good faith bargaining and the ANMF working constructively to provide extensive evidence on their claim items that an offer has not been made to members.

“They are exhausted, hanging on for an offer that will improve their working conditions and in turn their ability to provide higher quality care to patients.”

Ms Shepherd said today the ANMF will discuss with members their views on their next steps of the bargaining process, including whether members wish to commence industrial action.

“Regardless the ANMF will continue to meet with the Department in good faith to work toward securing an offer the values and resects the dedicated and hard working nurses and midwives in the Tasmanian Health System.”

-End-

Media contact:
Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary
Mobile: 0400 884 021
Email: Emily.Shepherd@anmftas.org.au