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.