Midwives and nurses in Victoria, Australia, have avoided industrial action after striking a historical pay deal with the government.

The Australian Nursery and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Victorian Branch threatened to take industrial action over pay, but struck a deal with the government for pay rises between 3% and 20% depending individuals’ pay grades.

ANMF State Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said: “This has been a really historic outcome for Victorian nurses and midwives.

“We can’t believe things have been finalised without taking industrial action. We really love that idea that we’ve been able to reach an agreement in peace.”

The pay eight-year agreement includes a base increase of 2.5% a year, as part of the government’s fair pay guide.

Changes to sick leave and a new career structure have also been included.

ANMF State Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick praised the Health Minister Jill Hennessey for her assistance in the two parties coming to the deal.

“A minister of her word, and we like it”, Lisa Fitzpatrick added.

The government’s offer to midwives and nurses in Victoria received a unanimous vote to be approved at a meeting in Melbourne.

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