Australian Nurses Strike... Over 1,000 Surgeries Postponed

Nurses in New South Wales, Australia, Hold Fourth Strike This Year
"Dissatisfaction with Conditions Leads to Vicious Cycle of Moving to Other States"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Junran] In Australia, confusion is growing as nurses have started a mass strike demanding better working conditions, resulting in the postponement of over 1,000 surgeries.

On the 24th, The Australian daily and Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that the New South Wales (NSW) Nurses and Midwives Association conducted a 24-hour strike from 7 a.m. the previous day to 7 a.m. on the 24th.

According to reports, they are protesting across NSW, including Sydney, demanding improved working conditions. This is the fourth strike by Sydney nurses this year alone.

They argue that along with wage increases, the working environment needs to be improved so that one nurse can care for four patients. Accordingly, they are requesting an increase in nursing staff and the legalization of this standard. The association explained, "Currently in NSW, one nurse is responsible for six patients, and in severe cases, one nurse cares for eight patients."

According to the association, Queensland and Victoria have set patient-to-nurse ratios. As a result, many NSW nurses move to states with better working conditions. Naturally, the number of nurses in NSW is decreasing, increasing the burden, the association emphasized. In response, the NSW government maintains that while it will strive to reduce the patient-to-nurse ratio, legalizing it is difficult due to budget issues.

Nurses in Western Australia (WA) are also set to strike. They have announced a strike from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the 25th. The union has demanded a 5% annual wage increase and additional staffing from the state government. They stated that if these demands are not met, the strike will proceed as planned. WA has proposed a 3% wage increase.

Accordingly, WA nurses canceled about 1,000 surgeries scheduled for the 24th and 25th before starting the strike. The union explained, "Emergency surgeries or Category 1 surgeries, where changing the date could endanger patients, will proceed as scheduled."

However, the WA government is pressuring the union to cancel the strike, stating, "The strike is putting citizens at risk." WA Premier Mark McGowan also warned, "I hope the union cancels the strike plan," adding, "The strike could endanger patients and harm the community."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.