EBA 2024 Update – Volume 2

Welcome to the second edition of a bulletin that aims to keep Western Health’s nurses and midwives informed and up to date on the bargaining negotiations for the successor enterprise agreements to both the:

• Nurses and Midwives (Victorian Public Sector)(Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2020-2024
• Victorian Public Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement 2020 -2024

which collectively cover all nurses and midwives employed at Western Health.

Introduction

Following the release of the first EBA Bulletin on 8 January, this update is to provide additional information regarding the progress of the bargaining process for the new Enterprise Agreement (EA) which will take effect over the next few months for nurses and midwives working in public health services across Victoria (excluding Mental Health Nurses who have a separate Agreement which expires in December 2024).

Current status

Western Health has been actively contributing to the negotiations with Deputy Executive Director Nursing & Midwifery and People and Culture representation at reference group meetings.

The timelines for the negotiations have been shortened. Bargaining meetings will cease in 2 weeks’ time given the new deadline for negotiations – however there will likely be continuing discussions and refining of wording and clauses leading up to the renewal of the EA.

The Department of Health has brought forward their deadline for submitting details of proposed changes that incur a financial cost – for example, salaries and wages, penalties and allowances. As it currently stands, the Government Wages Policy is a 3% salaries and wages annual increment being offered across all public services. The State Government has to support any additional costs if they are included in the EA, so need to be informed and prepared in order to ascertain what obligations can be met. The costing submission is due to be submitted on 16 February to Government for consideration.

In addition to the Log of Claims (proposed changes) from the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (ANMF) there are also Logs of Claims from two other Unions to be worked through:

• from the Health Workers Union (HWU), who have joint coverage interests for Enrolled Nurses with the ANMF; and
• the Health & Community Services Union (HACSU) who have an interest in the negotiations for nurses and midwives.

These are all discussed during bargaining along with the changes to the EA put forward by the hospitals.

There are several changes under discussion. Many aim to improve definitions and assist employers to implement particular clauses, and some new initiatives, including:

• Advanced Practice roles – classifications and definitions to streamline grading and improve equity across services
• Midwifery leadership roles and Midwifery Group Practice models
• Unit Manager level descriptors to be included in the next agreement
• On Call arrangements and recall rostering
• Lead Apron allowance
• Superannuation payments
• RUSON/M casual employment
• New employment model for student Enrolled Nurses
• Night duty rostering and weekend shift penalties
• Parental leave provisions
• Contracts of employment for fixed term roles

Next steps

The Victorian Hospital Industrial Association (VHIA) is working with the Department of Health and representatives from Victoria’s public health services to calculate the cost implications for the proposed changes to the EA. This work needs to be completed in the next 2 weeks. Then a decision will be made as to which clauses can be funded, and any savings that can be predicted and this will be communicated back to the hospital and Union representatives.

It is anticipated a draft EA will be put to nurses and midwives to consider during March/April. At that time the unions will advise their members on voting to accept or reject the offered agreement and will advise on voting rights and obligations of members.

Keeping informed

Western Health will continue to provide regular updates on the outcomes of the bargaining process and how the new EAs for 2024-2028 are progressing.

Unions will also provide information to their members through regular publications and notices.

Any queries or concerns can be discussed confidentially with the relevant Divisional Director of Nursing & Midwifery, Deputy Executive Director of Nursing & Midwifery or People & Culture Business Partner.