Victorian hospital doctors and the Andrews Labor Government have reached agreement in principle on a fair and equitable pay and conditions deal for the next four years.
The agreement addresses concerns over excessive hours worked by junior medicos, and ensures the wellbeing and safety of hospital patients are not impacted by fatigued doctors.
The deal was struck without industrial action, ensuring negotiations did not impact the healthcare needs of Victorians, and now needs final ratification from the Australian Medical Association, the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation and the Victorian Hospitals’ Industrial Association.
The package includes a one-off signing on bonus and a six per cent upfront increase to compensate for two years without a pay rise as a result of the enterprise agreement negotiated with the former Liberal Government.
The new deal provides four annual increases of three per cent, which is in line with the Labor Government’s wages policy.
As part of the improved terms and conditions to address medico fatigue, shifts for junior doctors in training will be limited to a maximum of 16 hours per day.
Junior doctors will be provided a break of 10 hours between shifts, and 48 hours when coming off night shift, and will no longer have to work more than seven consecutive night shifts.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“We’re working with our health workforce to continue delivering the quality and safe healthcare Victorians need and deserve – and we support them.”
“The previous Liberal Government waged war against our health professionals – and put the health and safety of Victorians under threat.”
“I commend the doctors and their representatives for negotiating this package with respect and in good faith and working with us towards a package that benefits everyone.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020