The QNU is locked in high level negotiations as this month’s tqn goes to print, in an effort to secure an ‘in principle’ pay and condition agreement with Queensland Health.

The negotiations have picked up pace since Queensland Premier Anna Bligh called a state election for 24 March, with the government due to enter caretaker mode on 19 February.

Under caretaker provisions, the government is not permitted to make major undertakings or sign off on significant matters with a financial cost, which means our EB8 negotiations must cease after 19 February.

"This deadline has added a real sense of urgency to the negotiations," QNU secretary Beth Mohle said.

"We are seeking pay and conditions certainty for nurses and midwives ahead of the election and we have a small window of opportunity to do so before we enter unknown territory."

QNU officials met with QH officials for two days of talks on 8 and 9 of February, with union discussions set to continue at the QNU Council meeting on 10 February.

Meanwhile organisers are busy throughout the state holding scheduled and extraordinary branch meetings and walk-arounds seeking feedback from members and ensuring they are informed, engaged and confident in the QNU course of action.

"We propose that only a fair and reasonable outcome, which recognises the substantial ongoing productivity increases nurses and midwives generate within Queensland Health, will be considered by QNU Council, and ultimately by QNU members," Beth said.

Some of the key resolutions we hope to secure are:

• Pay increases to maintain our strong national position and ensure Queensland Health is the employer of choice for nurses and midwives.
• Better workloads management through the proper application of the Business Planning Framework (the tool for managing nursing and midwifery workloads) and by giving nurses and midwives in management positions the necessary authority to ensure they have sufficient staff to deliver the service required, and ensuring minimum nurse/midwife-to-patient rations are identified and published in wards/units which then match staffing and skill mix levels.
• An improved classification and career structure which provides greater access for advancement and recognition and a separate midwifery structure.
• Improvements to the rural and remote nurse incentive program to attract and retain nurses and midwives in rural and remote communities.
• Greater financial authority for senior nurses such as Directors of Nursing and Nurse/Midwifery Unit Managers to allow them to perform their roles.

"If the battles in New South Wales and Victoria are anything to go by, we feel there is a very real risk that nurses and midwives’ wages and conditions could be under threat should there be a change of government after the election," Beth said.

"To this end we will not spare any resources to finalise an acceptable agreement if possible that can go to our nurses and midwives to be voted on."

It is not necessary to finalise a full agreement before caretaker mode begins, but an ‘in principle’ agreement will help protect and build on the important gains made for nurses and midwives in recent years.

Once the caretaker mode commences, a formal agreement can be drafted and an offer presented to QNU members to approve can go to ballot.

If the agreement is not approved in the ballot, negotiations will continue under the new government, and all previously agreed items are up for renegotiation.

"Members will be provided with further information as the negotiations progress," Beth said.