Nurses and midwives in NSW have backed a 4 per cent increase in wages.

Staff voted for the pay rise despite unions warning that the offer does not fully meet the needs of many frontline healthcare workers.

With a narrow 58 per cent approval from branches of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), the pay boost was given the green light on Monday evening. 

Michael Whaites, the union’s assistant general secretary, says the decision is more a response to the pressing cost-of-living pressures faced by the healthcare professionals. “This offer fell short of our 2023 award claim and, for many, accepting the one-year offer was a reflection that they will take the 4 per cent now, but more is needed,” he said.

The pay increase, retroactively effective from July 1, also includes an extra 0.5 per cent increment in superannuation benefits. 

Frustration among NSWNMA members continues from the impact of wage policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to frozen salaries.

Acknowledging the discontent among the nurses and midwives, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park welcomed the agreement, saying it demonstrates the government’s commitment to the healthcare frontline.

Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis said she hopes that the pay increase will help ease an ongoing recruitment and retention crisis in essential services.

Part of the accord includes the government's commitment to collaborating with the NSWNMA to implement secure staffing ratios, starting with one nurse for every three patients in emergency departments.