Health Services Union members from Tamworth hospital strike to demand pay rise, wage cap scrap from state government

The Health Services Union (HSU) is calling for the fixed wage increase to be scrapped and is demanding a five per cent pay rise.

"These are our staff who have worked tirelessly for the past two or two-and-a-half years trying to fight off COVID, putting themselves at risk, their families at risk to keep the community safe," HSU Tamworth delegate Jeff Knee said.

"If they stop today, the hospital stops tomorrow."

A cross-section of hospital staff joined the industrial action outside the hospital on Thursday morning, including cleaners, administration staff and orderlies.

Mr Knee said some of those dedicated staff members are doing the work of two or three people in the current conditions.

He said previous discussions with the state government had fallen on deaf ears and this is just the start of the HSU's action.

"We will not relent," he said.

Mr Knee told the Leader HSU members were in a real dilemma about continuing their careers.

"They don't want to let their community down, because if we get sick, this is the hospital we come to," he said.

"We want this hospital to be the very best that it can be, but that doesn't mean that we should be treated less than anyone else."

Mr Knee fears health service workers are falling behind and have been taking - "in real terms" - pay cuts.

He called on Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson to go back to his colleagues in the state government and tell them how "cranky" the local HSU is and that they will not "put up with it".

Paramedics also went on strike on Thursday morning.

When asked if he would support calls for a pay rise, Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson made no commitment.

"What I am doing is supporting their calls to make sure they get their fair share ... whatever that looks like," he said.

"I'll make sure the health minister continues to hear the voices of those in our area that are working in our hospitals and ambulance stations."

He said negotiations are continuing and he will also focus on facilities.

NSW Health said in a statement that it and the state government had engaged in talks with the HSU.

The statement said NSW Health "remains committed to reaching a resolution in the best interests of our patients and our healthcare workers".

"NSW Health recognises and is deeply thankful for the outstanding commitment and tireless efforts of our healthcare workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic," it said.

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