Australia: Nurses and midwives from public hospitals to stage 24-hour strike across New South Wales State Nov. 13

Nurses and midwives affiliated with the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) plan to stage a 24-hour strike across New South Wales State from the start of the morning shift Nov. 13 to demand a 15 percent wage hike. The walkout will likely affect non-emergency health services at public hospitals, including elective surgeries. Participants also plan to protest at Hyde Park North in Sydney from 12:00 before marching to the Parliament of New South Wales through Elizabeth Street. Rallies will also occur in towns such as Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. Dozens to hundreds of people could join related protests.

Longer wait times are likely at public hospitals across the state. Increased security and localized transport disruptions are probable around protests, which will likely pass off peacefully. Lingering disruptions are possible after the strike ends as hospitals work to clear any backlog.