Hunter region healthcare workers will benefit significantly from a landmark pay deal. The Health Services Union (HSU) of NSW successfully negotiated a two-year wage agreement that improves pay and working conditions for more than 60,000 public health workers across the state.
Under this innovative deal, hospital workers will see a 4% wage increase in the first year, a doubling in the second, and an additional 0.5% increase in superannuation contributions. This translates to an annual income increase of approximately $10,000 by June 2027.
The deal, which has the full support of Health Services NSW management, will be put to a union member vote today. Building on the union’s negotiated results through 2023, the deal surpasses the government’s 3% wage increase cap.
HSU NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes said some employees will see pay increases exceeding $10,000. She emphasized, “This is a significant step towards wage equity for the staff who work day and night to ensure hospitals are clean, safe, and that patients’ needs are met.”
The agreement specifically recognizes essential roles such as pharmacy assistants, security guards, linen workers, cleaners, and ward staff. Hayes noted, “These roles are often overlooked, yet their contributions are fundamental to the smooth running of hospitals.”
Over the next four years, hospital assistant salaries are expected to increase from approximately $52,000 to over $62,000, while ward managers and security guards will see annual salaries increase by approximately $10,400 and $10,500, respectively. These substantial increases will mean significant benefits to many working families.
In addition, the agreement covers many HSU NSW members, including ward managers, cleaners, administrative staff, and pharmacy assistants working in major metropolitan hospitals, rural health facilities, and community health centers.
Allied health professionals, such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, dietitians, and speech-language pathologists, will also receive pay increases based on increased skills and responsibilities as recognized by the Industrial Relations Commission.
