AWU MEDIA STATEMENT

The AWU calls on the Queensland Government to do the right thing and pay frontline healthcare workers what they’re owed

2 April 2020

AWU Queensland Branch Secretary Steve Baker said the AWU is calling on the Queensland Government to do the right thing and pay frontline healthcare workers what they’re owed.

“Right now, AWU members in hospitals right across Queensland are putting their own safety at risk to keep the community safe and healthy during the middle of a global pandemic,” Steve said.

“These heroes are going above and beyond during this unprecedented time and we should be doing everything we can to recognise their incredible work.

“Instead, the Government has decided to make them the scapegoat for the COVID-19 response by unilaterally announcing a wage freeze with zero consultation and zero discussion.

“We hear a lot from this Government about how much they supposedly value frontline healthcare workers, but apparently that doesn’t extend to recognising their hard work by paying them what they’re owed.

“Most Queensland public servants received a $1250 in just the last few weeks. AWU Members in Queensland Health weren’t included, and if this goes ahead, it’ll be our frontline health workers who are most disadvantaged.

“We’re not talking about massive pay increases or bonuses here. Health workers are long overdue a pay increase and have been more than patient while still putting in the hard yards in an incredibly challenging environment.

“We’d hate to see the Government use this pandemic as an opportunity to get out of paying Queensland health workers what they’re owed.

“We’re very aware that this isn’t business as usual, but to force our frontline health care workers to be the ones to bear the brunt of the COVID-19 response is incredibly disappointing.

“The Government needs to do the right thing and pay frontline healthcare workers what they’re owed.”

– STATEMENT ENDS –