Geraldton nurses vote for enterprise bargaining agreement

17/6/99

Registered nurses at Geraldton Health Service today voted overwhelmingly to accept the new enterprise bargaining agreement offered by the Geraldton Health Service.

Health Minister John Day said 75 per cent of votes cast by registered nurses accepted the new enterprise bargaining agreement.

Mr Day said the total package involved a 10.5 per cent pay increase, which included a 4.5 per cent increase backdated from January 1, 1998. The offer also meant a 7.5 per cent pay increase from July 1, 1999

"I am very pleased that the nurses have supported the offer as it represents a win for both Geraldton nurses, the health service and ultimately the community of Geraldton," he said.

"I am particularly pleased that the retention allowance of $1,200 for nurses in the specialty areas after 18 months service is now available.

"This will allow us to improve the retention of nurses in the accident and emergency, intensive nursing and theatre so that services in these areas can be assured."

Mr Day said the nurses at the Midwest health service had also accepted a similar new EBA agreement offered last week.

He said it was very encouraging that negotiations between local health services and nurses in country regions were progressing well and he looked forward to positive resolution in other health regions.

Media contact: Mark Thompson 9312 6600