The ANMF public sector mental health nurses protected industrial action ballot opens tomorrow from 9am Thursday 6 February.
Members will be sent the ballot link via text or their work or personal email. The ballot will ask a single question, either ‘yes’ or ‘no’, in respect to all potential industrial action.
ANMF is recommending all members VOTE YES, so your workplace has the legal right to participate in a protected industrial action campaign for improved wages, entitlements and conditions.
A successful ballot requires 50 per cent of members plus one to vote, and at least 50 per cent of those who vote to vote YES.
Victoria’s public mental health system comprises 19 separate employers. This means the ballot could be successful with one employer, and unsuccessful with another.
- If successful, members have the right, in the future, to take protected industrial action at that employer.
- If unsuccessful, members at that employer will not have the right to take protected industrial action in the future.
That is why it is critical all members vote and all members vote yes.
A successful yes vote will enable ANMF members to participate in a future protected industrial action campaign to achieve an outcome comparable with the 2024 general nurses public sector outcome. This includes pay parity for mental health nurses and the relevant new and improved allowances, entitlements and working conditions. Mental health nurses must have parity with general nurses to ensure employers can continue to retain and recruit early career and experienced nurses.
Read and share the ‘How to Vote YES’ and ‘What are the actions?’ flyers via anmfvic.asn.au/mhresources
Ballot timetable
Voting opens: 9am Thursday 6 February – members will receive a ballot link via text, work or personal email – depending on the information you have provided to your employer and ANMF
Voting closes: 5pm Thursday 13 February
Voting declared: 2pm Friday 14 February at the statewide meeting – to discuss the outcome of the 19 ballots and decide next steps in your campaign. Register via anmfvic.asn.au/14febmeeting
When to contact ANMF?
Members who are eligible to vote should receive an email or text message from VERO by close of business Thursday 6 February 2025.
If you have not received an email or text message from VERO by that time, then it likely that either:
- you were not on the employer list provided to VERO; or
- you were not on the ANMF member list provided to VERO by ANMF for that employer or
- VERO does not have a current email address or mobile phone number for you.
Please first contact VERO for assistance (between 10.30am and 7pm AEST) with your details, via 1300 702 898.
If VERO is unable to assist, then please contact ANMF if you think you should be on the eligible voter list but are not. Email: records@anmfvic.asn.au or call 9275 9333 during office hours.
Please tell us your name, current workplace and ANMF member number if known; if not known, your current mobile phone number will assist.
Register for the statewide members meeting – Friday 14 February
Friday 14 February
2pm–3.15pm (streaming option available)
ANMF (Vic Branch), 535 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
This meeting will provide an update on your 2025–28 EBA negotiations and the outcome of the protected industrial action ballot for each of the 19 health services.
Members at this meeting will decide the next steps in your campaign. Be part of the decision-making process.
If possible, please attend in person to build campaign camaraderie and build momentum. Please arrive five or ten minutes early to register and pick up your red campaign t-shirt.
Make sure your ward or unit is represented. Bring your signs and placards (they look great in your campaign photos and videos).
To register visit anmfvic.asn.au/14febmeeting
Share the meeting notice poster via or anmfvic.asn.au/mhresources
