Vic: Govt won't increase pay offer to nurses

AAP General News (Australia)
04-20-2004
Vic: Govt won't increase pay offer to nurses

The Victorian government says it won't budge on its pay offer to nurses, despite the
spectre of industrial action.

Health Minister BRONWYN PIKE has told ABC radio the government's offer of a three per
cent annual pay increase over the next three years and more flexible conditions, is a
fair deal.

Nurses yesterday gave notice they'll close one in four beds in Victorian hospitals
in pursuit of their 24 per cent pay claim.

They still have to approve the work bans at a mass meeting in Melbourne today.

Ms PIKE is urging them to re-think their proposed action, saying elective surgery would
have to be cancelled.

She says the government won't be offering the nurses any more money.

AAP RTV kw/gfr/mj/jmt

KEYWORD: NURSES PIKE (MELBOURNE)

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