Particle.news

Download on the App Store

NSW Doctors Begin Three-Day Strike Over Pay and Working Conditions

The industrial action, involving 5000 doctors, disrupts elective surgeries while emergency and intensive care services operate at reduced levels.

Image
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • The Australian Salaried Medical Officers' Federation (ASMOF) is demanding a 30% pay increase, rejecting the government's offer of 10.5% over three years.
  • The strike, set to last from Tuesday to Thursday, affects 32 hospitals, with major impacts expected at facilities like Westmead and Royal North Shore hospitals.
  • Hundreds of elective surgeries and specialist appointments have been postponed, though emergency and intensive care units will maintain safe staffing levels.
  • Union representatives cite systemic issues such as burnout, staff shortages, and inadequate pay as driving factors behind the industrial action.
  • NSW Health officials, including Health Minister Ryan Park, warn of risks to patient safety but remain unwilling to meet the union's demands.