The Health Services Union NSW (HSU NSW) has struck what it calls an “historic” two-year salary agreement for more than 60,000 NSW public hospital and health workers. “For the hardworking men and women who keep our hospitals clean and safe and make sure the needs of patients come first, this is a big stride towards wage justice,” HSU NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes said. A 4% pay rise in the first year is provided by the agreement, followed by a further 4% increase plus an additional 0.5% superannuation contribution in the second year, which HSU NSW said exceeds the government’s 3% wage policy. “This historic agreement recognises the indispensable work of pharmacy assistants, security officers, linen workers, cleaners and wardspeople,” Hayes said. “These workers are often overlooked, yet without them, our hospitals would collapse,” Hayes said. “Over the four years to June 2027, a hospital assistant will see their pay jump by more than $10,000, from around $52,000 to over $62,000. A wardsperson’s annual salary will be $10,400 higher by 2026–27, while security officers will pocket an additional $10,500 per year.” HSU NSW members covered by the agreement include administration staff, cleaners, wardspersons and pharmacy assistants working across major city hospitals, rural health services and community health centres. Allied health professionals such as dietitians, OTs, physiotherapists, speech pathologists and social workers will also receive the increase, HSU NSW said, as their work value case continues — a formal pathway to recognise expanded skills and responsibilities through the Industrial Relations Commission. “Our allied health professionals have been taking on more complex work, developing new skills, and expanding their scope of practice — but their pay hasn’t always reflected these changes,” Hayes said. “The work value case provisions give them the platform they deserve to have their true worth recognised and compensated.” Image credit: iStock.com/Hirurg

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