Mark Olson ups the stakes as ANF demands 20pc pay rise, nurses’ HECS debts wiped

Nurses have demanded a 20 per cent pay rise — a rate almost double what other public sector workers have received — as part of Mark Olson’s return to the negotiating table. Less than two weeks after Mr Olson’s shock return as ANF WA secretary, he has taken charge of new negotiations and declared that the Government’s recent offers do not “pass the pub test”. The West Australian obtained a copy of the ANF log of claims which includes a headline demand for a 20 per cent wage increase over three years. Mr Olson said the union was demanding the increase to beat Victoria’s deal — worth 28 per cent over four years. “If we’re going to attract (nurses and midwives) we don’t just have to pay as good as New South Wales and Victoria and Queensland, we have to pay more,” Mr Olson said. “If Victoria with its deficits can find the money… I think this state with its record surpluses can certainly find the money.” The union is also asking for free parking or public transport and a $10,000 payment towards HECS/HELP debts, doubled to $20,000 in regional areas to improve staff retention and combat worker shortages. But the Government has rejected Mr Olson’s claims that nurse-to-patient ratios — that were a key part of the last EBA deal — are being rolled out too slowly. Ratios are due to be rolled out across the North Metropolitan Health Service in October. “This implementation plan was made with the agreement of the ANF,” a Government spokesperson said. “We value our nurses and midwives and all the work that they do and want to deliver a good outcome for them.” Mr Olson will be under pressure to deliver on member expectations after a November 2022 strike failed to force the Government to increase its pay offer above 3 per cent and resulted in the ANF being fined $350,000 by the Industrial Relations Commission. Mr Olson’s handpicked successor Janet Reah was personally fined $10,000. She resigned as ANF WA secretary in August. Mr Olson’s surprise two-year appointment to replace her is being challenged, but he’s confident he has the support of the majority of members to pursue EBA negotiations. “I can assure you I am eligible,” he said. “I’ve certainly learned from my mistakes… I’m here to get a great EBA that is going to save our public health system.”