The Health Services Union NSW (HSU NSW) has struck a landmark two-year salary agreement that will deliver significant pay increases and improved conditions for more than 60,000 public health workers across New South Wales.
The agreement, which builds on the union's successful 2023 negotiations, provides a 4% pay rise in the first year, followed by a further 4% increase plus an additional 0.5% superannuation contribution in the second year, exceeding the government's 3% wage policy.
HSU NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes said: “For the hardworking men and women who keep our hospitals clean and safe and make sure the needs of patients come first, this is an big stride towards wage justice.
"This historic agreement recognises the indispensable work of pharmacy assistants, security officers, linen workers, cleaners and wardspeople. These workers are often overlooked, yet without them, our hospitals would collapse.
"What makes this agreement especially significant is how it builds on our 2023 breakthrough. Over the four years to June 2027, a hospital assistant will see their pay jump by more than $10,000, from around $52,000 to over $62,000. A wardsperson’s annual salary will be $10,400 higher by 2026-27, while security officers will pocket an additional $10,500 per year. That's real money that makes a real difference to working families."
The agreement covers HSU NSW's diverse membership including wardspersons, cleaners, administration staff, and pharmacy assistants working across major city hospitals, rural health services, and community health centres. Allied health professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, dietitians and speech pathologists, will also receive the increase as their work value case continues, a formal pathway to recognise expanded skills and responsibilities through the Industrial Relations Commission.
"Our allied health professionals have been taking on more complex work, developing new skills, and expanding their scope of practice - but their pay hasn't always reflected these changes," Hayes said. "The work value case provisions give them the platform they deserve to have their true worth recognised and compensated."
The agreement also builds upon HSU NSW successful campaign for full salary packaging benefits, which delivers benefits worth thousands of dollars per year to a typical hospital worker.
"This two-year deal gives our members certainty and security while maintaining our momentum for fair pay," Mr Hayes said. "It shows what can be achieved when workers stand together and when government recognises the essential contribution of healthcare workers."
"From the audiologists who help restore hearing, to the cleaners who maintain infection control, to the patient transport staff who provide dignity and care - every single one of our members deserves recognition for their vital work. This historic agreement delivers exactly that."
The offer will be put to members today with the unanimous endorsement of the HSU NSW Branch Committee of Management.
Contact: Gerard Hayes 0417 275 821 or Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032