The Victorian diabetes nurse educators employed by Diabetes Victoria are a small but determined group of ANMF members who have recently voted to take protected industrial action (PIA).
Despite the diabetes nurse educators’ commitment to ensure a quality service was maintained during the pandemic, Diabetes Victoria instituted a wages freeze in 2020. With the current enterprise agreement having expired on 30 June 2020, and significant delays in negotiations commencing due to COVID, these nurses have not had a pay increase since 2019.
The Branch has been negotiating their wages and conditions with Diabetes Victoria over many months. Unfortunately, negotiations have reached a stalemate.
The proposed offer currently on the table includes a 3 per cent wages increase from October 2021, October 2022 and October 2023. Subsequently, from October 2023, this will mean that diabetes nurse educators employed by Diabetes Victoria will be paid about 8 per cent less than their colleagues employed in the public health sector.
The continued refusal of Diabetes Victoria to hear staff concerns and requests has left them feeling disrespected and not valued by their employer. Morale is low, and they are disappointed that they have been left with no option but to take protected industrial action in an attempt to be treated fairly.
Their PIA includes the proud wearing of ANMF T-shirts, using ANMF screen backgrounds on their online meetings and sharing information about the dispute to their consumers and the community. On Thursday 6 July from 12 – 2pm they will be downing tools and walking out for a stop work gathering.
ANMF (Vic Branch) remains willing and available to continue talks with Diabetes Victoria to reach a satisfactory resolution.
