Australia: Unionized nurses planning work stoppages across New South Wales June 28

Event

Members of the New South Wales (NSW) Nurses and Midwives' Association plan to strike across the state June 28 amid staffing shortages and an ongoing state budget dispute. Unless averted, union leaders claim the strike will impact around 70 public healthcare facilities; the duration of the labor action will vary between two and 24 hours, depending on location. Hundreds to thousands of nurses will likely participate in the action, though workers will continue to provide essential services for emergencies.

Nurses will likely hold protests during the labor action. Union members will hold a mass meeting at Sydney Town Hall beginning at 14:00. Nurses previously demonstrated outside regional hospitals and at Parliament House in Sydney. While violence is unlikely, police will probably monitor gatherings as a precaution. Localized transport disruptions are possible near rallies, especially in Sydney.

Advice

Confirm medical appointments June 28. Plan for medical service delays. Contact healthcare facilities in advance for information about wait times, which could vary among hospitals and clinics. Exercise caution near any protests.