Union Pushes for Fair Pay and Conditions
MELBOURNE — Health professionals, represented by the Health Services Union Vic No. 4 Branch, are set to rally at Parliament next Wednesday, April 1, at 11:30 am, demanding better pay and conditions from the Allan government. The rally highlights ongoing frustrations over stalled enterprise agreement negotiations.
Members of the union, including medical scientists, hospital pharmacists, psychologists, and dietitians, will gather at Treasury Gardens before marching to Parliament. According to Matt Hammond, Branch Secretary, the workers have been in negotiations for over a year without receiving a satisfactory offer from the government. “It’s incredibly frustrating that after 12 months at the negotiating table we haven’t received an offer that respects the value of our members’ work,” said Hammond.
The rally marks the first such stoppage by these health professionals since 2012, as they seek a gender equity pay rise similar to that received by Victorian nurses in 2024, along with improved career progression and support for professional learning. “They’re tired of waiting for the Allan government to make an offer that recognises their contribution,” Hammond added, emphasizing the critical role of these professionals in the healthcare system.
In addition to the pay dispute, the rally aims to draw attention to the broader issues facing the healthcare sector, including understaffing and the need for more resources in hospitals and clinics. The union argues that the current conditions are unsustainable and detrimental to both healthcare workers and patients. By gathering in large numbers, the union hopes to send a strong message to the government that the time for change is now.
The government has acknowledged the rally and stated they are committed to continuing negotiations. However, they have not yet made a public statement regarding any new proposals or changes to the existing offer. The union remains hopeful that the demonstration will lead to a breakthrough in discussions, paving the way for fairer pay and better working conditions for all health professionals involved.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 30 March 2026, 3:46 pm
