The ongoing industrial dispute between South Australian doctors and the state government has reached a critical juncture, with the doctors’ union threatening strike action. The lead negotiator for the Department of Industrial Relations is currently absent and will not return until June 10, which compounds the frustration felt by medical professionals following eight months of stalled negotiations. The union is seeking a 10% wage increase per year over three years, arguing that this is comparable to the compensation increases awarded to police officers.
The latest developments highlight growing unrest within the medical community, as the union expressed disappointment over the lack of progress. Communication had ceased recently until the doctors’ union received a response to their letter sent to Premier Peter Malinauskas. The response came only after media coverage prompted action, illustrating the urgency and concern surrounding the negotiations.
Bernadette Mulholland, the chief of the doctors’ union, voiced her worries about the negotiation process, emphasising that members feel let down after their dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic. She insisted that the government must present a solid workforce plan along with proposals for better pay and working conditions.
In contrast, Treasurer Stephen Mullighan defended the government’s position, asserting that it has indeed engaged in negotiations throughout the year and refuting claims of inaction. Despite this, there are no specific dates arranged for future discussions, and the doctors’ union plans to hold a stop-work meeting at the end of the month. This meeting is expected to see between 2,500 and 3,000 doctors pause their duties to deliberate on potential industrial actions, with a strike appearing likely.
The union has pledged that, should any industrial action occur, patient safety will remain their top priority. This ongoing situation reflects a broader struggle within the healthcare sector to achieve equitable compensation and working conditions, especially post-pandemic.