According to the ANF, the average bedside nurse in public hospitals will receive pay increases of 4.55% per annum over 4 years – which is 19% over 4 years (without the compounding factor). This equates to an increase of 9.25% from 1 October 2007 and a 3.25% increase each year for the next 3 years, over the life of a 4 year 1 month agreement.

The ANF accepted different increases for different categories of nurses. Overall we calculate that the average increase in salary for registered nurses from 1 October 2007 is 6.6%, with the three 3.25% increases flowing over the next 3 years.

We are still waiting for an offer to our members from the government to match the outcome for registered nurses, with the same date of operation – i.e. 1 October 2007.

There are also a number of conditions of employment matters which need to be resolved, as well as the updating of classifications & career paths which are more than 25 years old and introducing private practice rights for psychologists.

Meanwhile the Minister for Health refuses to speak to us directly, but his ‘spokesperson’ is advising the media that we have received the same offer as the ANF. This is a lie and is an attempt to mislead the media, the public and our members. So far we have been dealing with the public servants not the government, and have yet to get an offer.

Talks will resume in the AIRC on Wednesday afternoon.