Doctors Strike in NSW: A Fight for Fair Pay and Conditions
Thousands of doctors in New South Wales have walked off the job for three days, demanding better wages and working conditions. The NSW Health doctors strike has seen rallies outside hospitals, with some patients even joining the protests.
One such patient, Orhan Karakaya, left his hospital bed with a drip still in his arm to support the doctors outside Westmead Hospital.
“I think it’s a ridiculous joke they’re having to be here and strike. They don’t want to strike, they want to care for us,” Karakaya said.
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Why Are Doctors Striking?
The NSW Health doctors strike is driven by concerns over unsafe working hours, chronic understaffing, and poor pay. The doctors’ union, the Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation (ASMOF), has accused the government of failing to negotiate in good faith.
Dr Nicholas Spooner, ASMOF president, stated:
“Doctors are not asking for the world. We’re asking for safe working hours, a minimum 10-hour break between shifts, and proper staffing so people don’t have to wait hours to see a doctor in emergency.”
Doctors are demanding a 30% pay increase over a reasonable period to bring their salaries in line with other states. The NSW government has countered with 10.5% over three years, but doctors say it is not enough.
Doctors Union demands a 30% pay rise this year, followed by 3% annual increases. (Credit: ABC News/Abbey Haberecht)
Massive Impact on Patients
The doctors strike has led to cancellations of hundreds of elective surgeries and specialist appointments. Emergency services remain operational, with hospitals running on public holiday staffing levels.
Despite the disruptions, Dr Lucy Bates, a uro-gynaecologist, insisted the strike was necessary.
“My children don’t get to see me,” she said.
“They can go days without seeing me because of the hours that we’re putting in.”
She warned that without change, more doctors would leave NSW for better conditions elsewhere.
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Doctors Defy Government Warnings
The NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) ordered doctors not to strike, but ASMOF proceeded with the action anyway.
Dr Mark Priestly, speaking at a rally, defended the decision:
“We’re here because we want to see total award reform. We’re here because we want to be here for our patients.”
He also called for fairer pay for specialists:
“We want simple things that any man in the street, any patient would expect and exist in other states.”
Doctors Say Government Is Driving Them to Queensland
Dr Robert Macleay, a registrar in the rehabilitation unit, criticised the NSW government for making Queensland a more attractive option.
“I can’t be attending a farewell party every week or two for yet another person crossing the Queensland border,” he said.
He added that many doctors were working up to 20 hours a week unpaid due to staff shortages.
Failed Negotiations and Rising Tensions
A last-minute meeting between NSW Premier Chris Minns, Health Minister Ryan Park, and ASMOF officials failed to reach an agreement.
ASMOF’s Ian Lesser said,
“There was a concession around one of our key demands… But NSW Health had spat the dummy and walked away.”
Park acknowledged doctors had suffered wage suppression under the previous government but called the 30% demand “unreasonable.”
“This decision hasn’t been taken lightly,” ASMOF’s NSW executive director Andrew Holland said.
“This decision is the result of our members being pushed to breaking point.”
What Happens Next?
The doctors strike is set to last for three days, with protests continuing outside major hospitals. Doctors warn more action could follow if their demands are not met.
The NSW government remains firm in its stance, urging ASMOF to return to negotiations. Meanwhile, patients face delays and uncertainty as doctors take a stand for better working conditions.
