Junior doctors in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, embarked on a 72-hour strike, demanding a 30% pay rise and improved working conditions, including safer hours and compensation for unsociable shifts. Around 3500 members of the Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation (ASMOF) NSW participated.
Doctors cite chronic understaffing and unsafe rostering as key issues. They highlight instances of working excessive hours consecutively. The NSW government has offered a 10.5% pay increase over three years, falling short of the union's demand.
The strike resulted in:
The government attempted last-minute negotiations before the strike commenced but failed to reach an agreement.
Doctors expressed concerns about pay equity and unsafe working conditions, with some indicating they would relocate to other states if their demands are not met.